The Peoria Northsider Report

2007-12-13T21:37:00.000-06:00

Let's Warm Up the Stove!

Well it was amazing that our apathy here at PNR reached the point that we went through an entire season without a post! With the Cubbies centennial season (w/o a world championship) upon us, and with Hendry making some major moves, maybe we can stoke a fire in the offseason stove.

I'll give Hendry credit for being willing to throw big dollars out there again this year to land Fukudome. But the the lion's share of his other moves this winter puzzle me. So maybe we have a right fielder who will out achieve the platoon of Jones & Floyd, but I'm not convinced we have a center fielder. So far Felix Pie seems to be Corey Patterson II. What do you think?

2006-12-06T19:35:00.000-06:00

Cubs continue free spending ways & sign...

Left handed Pitcher Ted Lilly to a 4 year, $40 million deal. I don't know what has gotten into Jim Hendry this off season (and unfortunately it may have come 3 years too late), but it certainly is promising.

In fact, this pessimist may start to believe that the Cubs might just be on their way to becoming the favorites in a weak NL Central division.

Certainly, the acquisition of Crazy Lou as manager looked to portend such a spending frenzy, as we suggested on this page a month and a half ago. None of us, however, expected Jim to open the purse strings so liberally.

Oh and by the way - welcome Ryno to Peoria!

We're glad to have you!

2006-10-23T21:32:00.000-05:00

FROM THE RED STATES

Well it has been some time since I have posted anything on the blog, pretty busy with school going in full swing, not to mention some computer problems. At any rate I have extra time this week because I am on my regularly scheduled "The Cardinals are in the World Series so I am going on Vacation" Vacation.

Being motivated also by my good friend Chris' message he left me on my cell phone about the Cardinals could be the team with the fewest wins to win the World Series. To that I publicly respond by saying "who cares". That's true, who cares, except for maybe bitter jealous Cub fans, especially those who have never had the pleasure of seeing their beloved Scrubbies play in a Fall Classic, where as I being the youngest poster on this blog have now got to see the Cardinals playing in 5 of them.

I must say my feelings are mixed so far in this one. Going into it I was hoping to not have to re-live the debacle of 2004. Chris insists the 2004 World Series was a choke job by the Cardinals, I disagree. We just ran into a buzz saw in that series and we never led at any point in the 4 games, that is no choke job. My definition of a choke job would be getting 5 outs away from your first World Series in decades, with a lead, with your ace on the mound and imploding after one of your own fans interferes in a game a denies your left fielder the chance of catching a fly ball. Then ultimately getting your bootay spanked the next night to finish off the mother of all choke jobs.

Saturday night I was just hoping to not have to re-live 2004, and was pleasantly surprised at the pitching performance of Mark Prior's college team mate at USC, and getting game 1. Then I began to get greedy and thought man if we could steal game 2 and go home up 2-0, with Carpenter and Suppan set to go, we will be in great shape. It wasn't meant to be when the ghost of Don Denkinger appeared in the shape of Kenny Rogers and "smudge gate".

I was 10 years old when the Dink screwed us in 1985, and remember it well, and I got that same feeling watching Kenny "George Brett" Rogers, the camera man beating scum bag cheat his way through a masterpiece. We got beat by a "clump of dirt" and a pitcher clearly on the juice. Not to mention footage showed the same clump of dirt on the same spot on his hand in his 2 previous outings in the postseason. Listening to the "Gambler" or "Cheater" in his post game press conference he clearly is a man lying through his teeth. The story changed three different times in a three or four minute interview.

At any rate we move on to St. Louis satisfied with a split against their best 2 pitchers, with our worst 2. Now we get to see what Detroilet can do with Carpenter and Suppan who is one of the biggest big game pitchers in the past decade or so. Jack Morris, Clemens, Smoltz and Suppan. He may not be flashy but I don't know any other pitcher going today that I would want in a big game. As attested to by his 15 innings, 1 run performance in the NLCS. Not to mention he out pitched Roger Clemens in game 7 of the 2004 NLCS. And he didn't even have a "clump of dirt" on his pitching hand.

So I got mixed feelings, excited we got out of there with a split, but bummed out by last nights game, especially to see Kenny Rogers get away with his obvious cheating ways. But I like our chances in the next 2 but that means nothing.

Cub fans should be pulling for the Cards for 2 reasons, maybe a World Championship by your arch rival will motivate the tribune to spend some cash and build a winner, and also you could say you won the season series against the the World Champions. I know most fans would not take much from that but when your relegated to pulling for the Cubs you gotta take small victories when you can get 'em. I would gladly help you Cub fans out and take a ring, even if it means being the team with the fewest wins to win the World Series.

On a side note I will admit I might have to start watching the Scrubbies again, should make for good TV watching Pinella flip out on a daily basis managing these hacks. Between him and Zambrainless, should make for some real exciting tv. I predict by the All-Star Break Lou is in a straight jacket and a padded cell.

2006-10-16T13:38:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the north side crazy Lou!

As many of you know by now, the Cubs have brought crazy Lou Piniella on board to manage the national league ball club from Chicago.

Although some rather influential members of the CBA regard this as a negative development, we do not share that opinion.

Crazy Lou's arrival suggests that Lou himself believes that the organization is able and willing to do what it takes in the near-term to get this team back into playoff contention since Lou [reportedly] wasn't interested in long-term building projects.

Now whether Lou's belief is justified remains to be seen (clearly there must be some doubt due to the Herculean nature of that task).

At the very least though, the Cubs must have done a good job convincing Lou that they are serious about taking the necessary [and no doubt dramatic] measures to fix this miserable team.

Then again, they just installed a salesman as team President.

:-/

Well, even if none of that pans out - at the very least some of us frustrated Cubs fans can derive vicarious satisfaction through Lou's public tirades when things start heading south (as we know they inevitably will).

That’s worth quite a bit to fans who have little else to grab onto.

Lou embodies the "we're mad as hell and we're not going to take it anymore!" ethos better than anyone else, and as such he is the consummate fan's choice to manage this incompetent team.

When Lou overturns a table in the clubhouse, we will feel as if he had overturned that table for us.

Turn over another one buddy!

When Lou rips up 1^st base and throws it into right field, he will be throwing that base on our behalf.

Go throw 2^nd into center crazy Lou!

When Lou kicks dust repeatedly onto an ump after a bogus call, we will be screaming lustily for more dirt to be kicked due to the many years of travesty that we have suffered from umpires, players, managers, and the inept organization itself!

Kick some more dirt for me!

If nothing else, I will sleep better at night knowing that someone very near to the top is as torqued-off as I am at the way things are going.

I would, however, suggest that everyone in the clubhouse keep their wallets in sight.

2006-09-01T17:23:00.000-05:00

I don't have a clue why I'm bothering with this, but here goes.

Now that it is September, we can begin the traditional look-ahead to next year. Even with my advanced years, I can not recall a season like this one, where we could have launched this topic in May. But, since it is now OFFICIALLY September, we begin a short discussion of Cubs 2007, hopefully to be followed by the Blog being hijacked by Football season.

It looks to me like blame for the 2006 season will be placed on the resident imbecile in the manager's chair rather than where it should be, with the tag team of Hendry & Ownership. Be that as it may, I do look forward to ANYONE who dines on something other than toothpicks to be pacing the dugout next year. A lot of pundits will predict that it will be Peoria boy, Joe Girardi, who may escape the "living soap opera" in Florida. I wouldn't mind that. The only down side is that I hate to see a good, standup guy like Girardi become the next person everyone in Chicago hates. That would truely be misdirected hatred.

I would talk more about the players coming and players going, but time doesn't permit that right now. So I'll turn this column over to the readers, if we still have any.

2006-05-22T18:38:00.000-05:00

Survey: Two questions about the 2006 season

A few days ago I stated that with the Cubs 2006 season about wrapped up, it only remains to be seen if the Sox will repeat, and if that will have any positive effect on the Northside. I think there is a good chance that the Sox will repeat and I think we all know that it will have no effect on how the lovable losers are managed.

That being said, I would like to get your opinion on two interesting topics.
1) The Cub brass will at least have to make it look like they care about this fiasco. So who will be the scapegoat for the 2006 season? Baker? Wood, by way of not re-signing him? other?

2) Okay, a bone for Randy. :) How many home runs will Pujols hit this year? And since he's presumably not doing it with steroids, how's he doing it?

2006-05-16T00:13:00.000-05:00

Revisiting pre-season prognostications:

I hate to tell you that I told you so, but...

I published the following post on this page December 20th of last year - just after Jacque Jones was signed to a 3 year deal:

That sound you just heard...

was the sound of the Cubs 2006 season flushing down the toilet. You see, the Cubs just inked Jacque Jones to a 3-year deal:

...

Why are prospects for next season swirling down the johnny as a result of this signing?

Because it signals most of all that Jim Hendry just doesn't understand the extent of the problems with this team as it is currently constructed and managed.

This is not a team on the cusp of playoff contention in need only of minor improvement (and it is arguable how much improvement [if any] Jones provides over the underwhelming Jeromy Burnitz).

This is a team that is deeply flawed - and deeply flawed on a number of levels. It is especially flawed in terms of offense (or lack thereof) - but it is also a team that has a very questionable starting rotation. That's never a good combination. It's certainly not a team that will contend.

Here's the bottom line - Jacque Jones isn't the answer to what proved to be an absolutely horrendous (from an offensive standpoint) OF last year. The offensive production was downright offensive last year, if you get what I mean. And Jones isn't going to substantially improve things.

In fact you can write this down - because it comes from a baseball realist - this team as presently constructed will struggle to finish third in the division next year (and that's assuming no injuries).

You don't like that prognosis? Go over to fantasy land and get your fix of continually deferred hope. For my part, I don't deal in fantasy - only reality - and sometimes it really does bite folks.

I suspect that Jim will tell us in the near future just how "satisfied" he is with the team as presently constructed. Just like last year in fact. He was satisfied with what he had then - in fact he was pretty sure the club could "survive" when Wood, Williamson, and Garciaparra returned in early August. And that turned out splendidly as we all know.

And to be honest, I don't know why he wouldn't be "satisfied."

After all, who isn't satisfied with fourth place in the division!

It didn't take a rocket scientist to realize that the team Jim Hendry assembled was destined for failure. Looking forward, what will be particularly revealing is how this team will continue to ring up losses at an alarming rate even after the return of Wood and Prior.

2006-05-15T22:20:00.000-05:00

What a fool looks like..........

Obviously there is nothing more to say about the 2006 edition of the Chicago Cubs. The prophet Christoper has proven to be as accurate as Isaiah. This is getting embarrassing, and I've been a Cub fan for a long time. Tooo long. Looks like the highlight of the season will be Pierre's robbing Bonds of # 714 (temporarily). The only questions that remain are: will the Sox repeat; and if so, will that add enough embarrassment to drive change on the north side? The answer to the first one is "maybe", and to the second one "I doubt it". Mediocrity has been perfected and transformed to profitable success on the north side. I don't believe Tribune Co. wants to change that. Since there is nothing more to say I'll just shamelessly sign off with a personal picture documenting too many years of yearning. I suppose Randy would call me a "ledgie". But a fool seems more appropriate.

2006-05-02T08:22:00.000-05:00

FREAKEN ANGELO...

Well I have said it once and I will say it again, "the Bears will never win anything until Jerry Angelo is fired." In the weeks leading up to the draft I kept hearing that the Bears have zero needs because we were returning all 22 starters. In my own mind, I was thinking that this was simply pre-draft pandering on Jerry's part to increase any possible trade value he might be considering. I was thinking he possibly couldn't be so stupid to not see any needs on offense. He couldn't be so stupid to realize that 11 returning starters on defense was good, because we had a good defense. However, 11 returning starters on offense was bad BECAUSE WE HAD THE 31ST RANKED OFFENSE IN THE LEAGUE. So in other words they sucked last year, but we got tham all back again this year, and in Jerry's mind that's a good thing. He couldn't be that stupid.

I learned a valuable lesson, never underestimate the level of stupidity in the front office of the Chicago Bears. I was wrong, Jerry Angelo is that stupid.

I heard leading up to the draft that we had no needs, we don't need a tight end, we don't need a wide reciever who is capable of getting down the field and catching the ball, we don't need a few lineman to back up our AARP squad we got on the line, no we need defense.

I will be the first to admit that another cornerback was needed, but there was so much on offense that we needed more. At the 26th pick the Bears had their choice of tight ends. I personally would have been aggressive and tried to move up and get Vernon Davis, but even at 26 we had Marcedes Lewis, Fassano, Klopfenstein, or my personal favorite Leonard Pope, who we passed on 3 times. Instead, we traded down into the second round to get the third round pick we gave away for Ricky Manning, and used that to draft another cornerback. Real shrewed there. Then even another cornerback in Devin Hester, with our original pick in the second. In all 5 of our first 5 picks are on the defensive side of the ball, and we finally picked a lineman and a fullback in the 6th round.

Thank the Lord we are set with such a solid offense that we are in for another great season.

2006-04-26T09:14:00.000-05:00

FROM THE RED STATES

I last spoke to Chris at church on Sunday, and as per his norm, he assured me that the Cubs season was done, the Cubs have now won 3 straight without Derrek Lee in the lineup. Chris is my friend and even though he is a Cubs fan, I tried to encourage him, I tried to talk him in off the ledge, but he was adamant that the Cubs were screwed. Again I say, since that time the Cubs have won 3 straight. Which is why I must say I am surprised that I didn't see the "Cubs are going to the World Series" post on the blog. Chris is what we Cardinal fans commonly refer to Cub fans as a "ledgie." You know one minute there are out on the "ledge" and ready to throw themselves off, and then the Cubs win a few and all the sudden they are the greatest team of all time. So cheer up Chris, the Cubs season is far from over.

I think it is about time to give Maddux a whiz quiz. Let me get this straight, the guy goes from a over 4 ERA to below 1, in one off season. Especially when you consider he is 40 years old. Maddux is clearly one of the greatest pitchers of our time, and of all time, but come on. His fastball is about 4 or 5 mph faster than he has been in the past few years, supposedly as a result of his so-called "workout regiment" in the off season. Yeah it sounds like about the same workout regiment Barroid Bonds was going through about the time he turned 40 years old. This "workout" isn't sponsored by Balco is it. I thought something might be funny when I saw Maddux doing commercials for the "Whizzinator." Although I will confess three of his four starts have been against the Cardinals, and Dodgers, who have two of the most pathetic offenses in the NL, so let's hold off judgement until he pitches to a team with more than one player hitting over .300. However, the mysterious 5 extra mph on his fastball is suspicious.

At any rate, as I told Chris on Sunday, the Cubs just need to hang in there for a couple months, stay in the race and make their run down the stretch when they get everybody back. Their offense is definately much improved, and much better than the Cardinals. The Cardinals have only Pujols doing anything, which amazes me that teams still continue to pitch to him. As the season goes along, and we start playing series against other contenders, I look for Alberts walks to rise dramatically. Our pen is rounding into shape, as I suspected it would, 14 consecutive shutout innings is very impressive. We need another bat or two, but I definately don't see us or anyone for that matter running away with this division as the Cardinals have the past two years. Which might be a blessing considering the past two years the Cardinals haven't played a meaningfull game in two or three months before the playoffs. I think that hurts you come playoff time. I look for the NL Central to be an exciting race, and the wildcard is definately coming out of the Central again, with the West being a joke, and the Mets running away with the East, and the Braves being lucky to finish .500. Looking forward to it.

2006-04-21T10:52:00.000-05:00

UH-OH

Lee's injury makes ya kinda wish for a run-producing RFer and more starting pitching, doesn't it?

At this point I'd be happy, no, make that ecstatic, if the Cubs are .500 by June 30 . . . There will be a drop in run production, which is at 5.4/game right now. A decent number, but aside from losing Lee's production, this will create a big hole in the line-up that cannot be filled by anyone. Either, at best, a .270/.330/.350 type platoon will be implimented at first or Walker will be moved over there and the production at second will be slightly less than those numbers. Plus, even if Ramirez gets hot (I don't see anyone really pitching around Walker or Barrett at this point) he'll be pitched around. And then there is the loss of Lee's defense, which is outstanding. With the current starting pitching every run is needed, except when Maddux is dealing.

There is only room for a little hope. This is found in the fact that Ramirez and Jones haven't produced much except for a few sprained butt references (.196/.288/.348 and .207/.273/.345, respectively) and they could start to produce (even though I don't expect Jones to contribute much more than .250/.320/.400, but I'd take that). Pierre can pick it up some as a table setter, raising his OBP into the .350s from his current Neifi-esque .295. Barrett and Walker are already producing a lot while Murton and Cedeno have been solid and fantastic offensively; and Wood/Prior/Miller might be well enough to start during Lee's extended leave, but how much they can deliver is still unknown.

A lot needs to happen to compensate for Lee's hiatus. Like I said: ecstatic if the Cubs are .500 by June 30.

2006-04-18T12:40:00.000-05:00

JUST HONK IT, DUSTY

I'm not sure if this is just an L.A. thing--I don't remember this being the case when I lived in/drove in/worked in Chicago-- but it seems that whenever fellow Angelinos drive through any sort of tunnel, they honk their car horns just for fun. Everything from beep-beep to the classic shave-and-a-hair-cut . . . two-bits honk. And I think I've even heard a scat or two from the artsy crowd--you know the type driving hybrids and other vehicles resembling toasters. It seems my 3 year-old son has picked up on this and now demands that we join in. I confess that I encourage it because he enjoys it, even though the Mrs. is (rightly) worried about honking enduced road-rage. So whenever we approach a tunnel or bridge, he starts commanding, "Just HONK it, daddy." "Just honk it." I'd like to co-opt his demand--not because Walker is a fellow honky--but because we need his offense in the line-up everyday.

Now, I should have said this over the weekend when I thought of it, but didn't have the time. And I'd like to thank Walker for bolstering my case--well, actually his case--with last night's performance, solid defense and great production. So let me just throw this out there and be as clear as possible: Todd Walker should start everyday.

No righty/lefty platoons. No let's get Hairston/Neifi some abs. No let's get some defense in there with a ground ball pitcher. Just play Walker. His offense more than makes up for any perceived defensive liability.

I'm not trying to cherry-pick stats and make a case, but I believe the following supports the Just Honk It argument for Walker . And I'm mostly thinking of Walker in comparison to Hairston, because--hopefully--Neifi will be used more to play SS or 3b . . . hopefully . . .

- Walker has proven himself to be a valuable offensive player for years. His VORP in '04 and '05 was 19.8 and 25.9 while Hairston's was 9.3 and 0.5. For comparison's sake, Neifi's VORP in those years was 8.6 and 6.6 for Chicago, but he had a -14.4 VORP for the Giants in '04 and -4.8 in '03.

- Walker gets on base more because he has a consistantly higher average than Hairston, even though they walk at about the same rate. And they both strike out at a relatively low rate as well, 12% of the time (From '01-'05: Walker had 309 K/2519 AB with 223 BB while Hairston had 228 K/1843 AB with 161 BB). Neifi strikes out at a lower rate than both (10%) but walks less than half as much (from '01-05: 232 K/2416 AB with 102 BB).

- Hairston has never proven he can thrive with more than 300 abs ('01: 532 ab/.233 avg; '02: 426 ab/.268 avg; '05: 380 ab/.261 avg). And he is 29, not a still-developoing 24 year old.

- Hairston appears to be more of a .260's hitter with a .320-.330 obp than the .303/.378 numbers he put up in his best year so far ('04: 287 ab), right before he came to Chicago.

-Walker's Career SLG: .443; Hairston's career SLG: .371.

- Walker can play everyday and be more than adequate at second defensively.

-The differential at 2b between Walker and Hairston is not what it is made out to be (although Hairston and Neifi are better defensively, with more range). Here is the comparison of Fielding Pct./Zone Rating from '01-'05:

Walker .984/.822 .989/.820 .975/.788 .981/.824 .985/.802

Hairston .976/.839 .982/.844 .980/.822 .983/.882 .973/.843

If the choices at 2b are Walker or Hairston, I'd start Hairston on the low end of once or twice a week. This would give him roughly 30-35 starts and about 140 PA plus pinch-hitting, late inning defensive substitutions, pinch-running and the always entertaining Dusty double switches. More importantly, by limiting Hairston's appearances and playing Walker, this would give the Cubs a very solid number two hitter ahead of Lee and Ramirez.

The good news is that Dusty isn't that far off from doing this in regard to Hairston. Hairston has 18 PA in the 12 games played this year. That translates to 243 PA for the season. A little higher than I'd like, but still keeping Walker in for the vast majority of the time. Hairston has also started 3 of 12 games, which would project to be about 40 for the year.

The problem is that Hairston isn't the only player in the mix with Walker. Neifi has one start at 2b and two at 3b. My concern is that Ramirez had a sprained butt during some of this time so Neifi might get a higher percentage of his time at 2b, unless he is the designated SS/3b replacement, which is preferable. And I have no clue how Bynum will be used, but I suspect he's the latest reincarnation of Augie Ojeda. Which means too many at-bats will be wasted on him. But hey, at least Walker hasn't been traded yet . . .

2006-04-13T14:36:00.000-05:00

Baseball Prospectus Radio

Baseball Prospectus is offering a downloadable (and podcasting) radio show at http://www.baseballprospectus.com/radio/

It's excellent listening. If you're interested in stats, their sabremetricians will keep you up to date with much more powerful measures than the standard AVG and ERA.

2006-04-11T11:54:00.000-05:00

RE-LEE-F

Well, Hendry's contract can be rescinded with a big "Psych!" from the Trib-brass, now that Lee has just been inked to a 5 year deal worth $65m [Actually, as Chuck over at Ivy Chat notes, the 5 year deal essentially includes a $5.4m raise this year ('06) and $13m over the next 4 ('07, '08, '09, 10)]. This is the right move, locking him up for the long term. But this is only what Hendry should have done; no monumental accomplishment like downing a box of Krispy Kremes during the 7th inning stretch. It isn't as if Lee indicated he wanted to stay--oh wait, he did. I'm not, however, a big fan of no trades clauses, which this contract apparently has. Better to bump up the salary slightly than be stuck with an oft-injured, low-producing, former stud that cannot be moved . . . Kerry Wood anyone?

Hendry has stumbled and bumbled this off season--with only his Enron-Christmas-Party type spending on the bullpen being somewhat redemptive. Although he had to do something there too. He sat on his hand (not hands because he had to hold the donut) while he watched Furcal, all the decent Right Fielders, and all quality starting pitchers being "snatched up" (a bone for the pre-mills out there and a chart for the uninitiated). We're left with Jackie "I hit once a week whether they need me or not" Jones and the personal injury firm of Miller, Prior, Wood and Labrum. Throw in doing everything in your power to alienate your only legitimate #2 hitter and offensively productive second baseman--the living, bearded quote machine--and that's the inept GM trifecta. Outstanding Jim, you almost did the bare minimum. Now let's hitch our wagon to Dusty for another couple of years too.

But, of course, I'm not bitter about any of this. Now where did I put those donuts?

2006-04-10T10:26:00.000-05:00

What a Great Game!

As a Cubs fan, the most exciting part of the season is the first few weeks, when we still believe we have a chance at winning the division and attaining some level of playoff glory.

The rest of the season?

Well, not so much.

Inevitably (by early June), we end up like Jim Mora, referring to the playoffs only in the most exasperated of tones.

So forgive us for celebrating. This is, after all, our time of year.

Last night's game was so much fun, I even went downstairs and got my 2 1/2 year-old son out of bed to finish watching the last inning and a half with me (much to my wife's displeasure).

How about Michael Barrett hitting a game-saving/winning homerun in the 7th/8th innings two games in a row?! I was watching the interview with him after Saturday's heroics (which Camden was at btw), and he is a class act.

That it came against the Cardinals only made it that much nicer. How does that sweep taste Randy?

I don't want to stir up any unfounded optimism (the starting rotation remains a major cause for concern at this point), but if Wood and Prior can come back and contribute for the last 2/3 of the season - this may be a pretty dangerous team.

The offense is improved, and the bullpen is markedly better (if we could have only have had this bullpen in 2003). Walker continues to demonstrate why he needs to be the everyday starting 2nd baseman for this club - he is a solid and patient hitter who works pitchers long into counts and gets on base at an impressive rate.

It's also nice to see Jones finally get a hit or two - apparently the National League ballclub from Chicago needs a free swinging outfielder who strikes out a lot, and Jones has been filling that role admirably thus far.

I think the upcoming road trip at L.A. will be telling, especially since I am projecting the Dodgers to win the west this year and threaten for the pennant crown as well.

2006-04-03T17:44:00.000-05:00

If the Season Only Ended Today

Well, we are off to the races!! 1st place and undefeated!! What a way to finish the season. If this were only the finish. :) But our only bonafide starting pitcher not on Medicare just started, so now what do we do for the next four days?

2006-03-21T07:59:00.000-06:00

MY NEW BUSINESS IDEA...

It just hit me, I have a great idea for a business that I think will make me a fortune. I am going to open up my own Jack Kevorkian assisted suicide business for all you Cubs fans that are ready to committ Harry Caray. Let's see for 100$ I will put you Cubs fans out of your misery and end it all.

With the Illini's predictable second round choke job in the NCAA (although a big, no I mean HUGE assist goes to the three idiots that must have won some contest and got to be refs for a NCAA game. Well let's just call it what it was-we got screwed and lost to a pathetic team in Washington who made 5 baskets in the second half, thanks to 39 free throws compared to our 11). That's right I called Washington pathetic, and if Jay Bilas and Dick Enberg would have atleast stopped slurping Brandon Roy long enough they might have realized that he only made 4 field goals in the whole game. Brian Randle shut him down atleast until the refs bailed him out and put him at the line where he scored 12 of his 20 points. Along with those that, the Bears appear to be willing to settle for the team we got right now, they have signed nobody and I mean nobody, all while being 23 million dollars UNDER the salary cap. They offered Randle El like 5 bucks an hour if he wanted to come home to Chicago, no wonder why we missed out on him. I guess we got the team we got.

I can understand the rational thinking of Jerry Angelo, and when you think about it it makes perfect sense...if we actually improved the team especially the offense, who knows we might actually get to the playoffs again, and then once we got there we might actually maybe win a game, and then once we won one game we might get some momentum built up and go to the Super Bowl, heck we might even win the Super Bowl. That would be great but then once you do that other teams will be raiding your roster looking for free agents then we will have to give everyone a raise to keep them so screw it let's just keep the guys we got which is pretty much the same roster we had the year before when we finished 5-11, settle for 1 trip to the playoffs every 5 years or so, please don't actually win the game just make the playoffs so we can raise our ticket prices and sell more tickets. We wont have to pay anyone and we can stay 23 million under the cap. Collect out 100 million dollars from the league every year in TV revenues and make a fortune. We can go 5-11 every year, have the 4th over all pick and keep drafting running backs who idolize a pot smoking, new age-idiot, who bails out on his team and only decides to return when he finds out he will be forced to give back all the money he stole from the organization.

On second thought, I might be my first customer..

2006-03-15T00:00:00.000-06:00

Why doesn't this surprise me?

Mark Prior is feeling discomfort in his shoulder and missed his most recent pitching session so he can be examined by Dr. Lewis Yocum:

Chicago Cubs pitcher Mark Prior will see a specialist in Los Angeles on Wednesday after cutting short a throwing session due to soreness in his right shoulder.

Prior was scheduled to pitch off the mound Tuesday, but he never got there. The shoulder flared up during long tossing.

"It wasn't getting loose so we weren't going to try it," pitching coach Larry Rothschild said.

The right-hander will be examined by Dr. Lewis Yocum.

Peoria Northsider Report projected Cubs opening day rotation:

#1 Zambrano
#2 Maddux
#3 Rusch
#4 Williams
#5 Hill

By way of observation: at this point in his career, Maddux is barely a serviceable #5, but injuries will force him to fill the #2 spot.

That's serious trouble folks. You'd better be praying the offense puts up some serious runs with that rotation (at least Lee looks to be picking up where he left off - however - he just paid a visit to Slocum too after bruising his shoulder in the WBC:

Meanwhile, first baseman Derrek Lee visited Yocum on Tuesday after he bruised his left shoulder diving to catch a foul ball during the United States' victory over Japan on Sunday at the World Baseball Classic.

I'd say the Cubs pretty much have locked up a 3rd place divisional finish.

Good thing the organization was so aggressive in the offseason eh?

2006-03-11T21:30:00.000-06:00

Wrigley Latrine Action

I thought twice about even posting this, but after serious deliberation, I have decided to point everyone toward this video snippet of one seriously disturbed Cub fan. Those who have experienced the lovely troughs in the men's bathrooms at Wrigley and might have a story or two about them can add another to their book of Wrigley Field lore.

2006-03-08T09:16:00.000-06:00

WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC...

Well, I may have been a little hasty in predicting earlier that the USA was going to win this deal.

Don't get me wrong, I think the US team is very solid but I saw the first few innings of the Dominican/Venezuela game yesterday, and there is no doubt the Dominican lineup is extremely solid.

In fact I think this may be the best lineup ever assembled on one team, including All Star Games. How would you like to pitch to this...

Alfonso Soriano 2b
Miguel Tejada ss
Albert Pujols 1b
David Ortiz dh
Moises Alou lf
Adrian Beltre 3b
Jaun Encarnacion rf
Ramon Hernandez c
Willy Tavares cf

That's just freaking ridiculous. That's 2 MVP's, 3 Rookies of the Year, and a combined 164 HR's last year FROM THE FIRST 4 GUYS IN THE ORDER. The rest of the lineup aint too shabby either.

I am not too sure about the Dominican's pitching staff, they had Bartolo Colon pitching yesterday, so I think the US definitely has the edge in pitching and they're going to need it going up against this lineup.

The US bullpen is sick with Lidge, Cordero, Street, (I think Wagner pulled out) - but that's still an imposing threesome in the late innings. If we're ahead after the 6th, forget it - game over.

The Dominican lineup is ridiculous though. It's going to be very tough to beat that. Early in the spring anyone will tell you that the pitching is ahead of the hitting, but that didn't seem to matter to these guys when they get 11 runs off of Johan Santana, Carlos Zambrano, and a very strong Venezuelan pitching staff.

Needless to say I am seriously hoping for a USA/Dominican match up. I must confess it was a little heart wrenching to be happy when Derrek Lee hits a homerun. I'm also looking forward to a Pujols /Lidge battle.

You have to admit these great meaningful games are a lot more interesting than watching some Class A stiff with numer 89 on his back striking out against some other bum you never heard of, with a bunch of pitchers jogging across the outfield.

It is officially baseball season. Praise God.

2006-03-03T08:00:00.000-06:00

More Pictures from the Peoria Northsider Report...

Well, we think you've had to suffer through Randy's mug long enough so we're going to brighten things up around here a little bit.

After all, there's nothing of note going on in Cub land - this team as presently constructed will fight for 3^rd or 4^th in the division this year (sorry to burst the bubble of BCB readers).

In fact, here's a picture that captures what I anticipate will be the essence of the Cubs season this year (picture the Cubs as the guy on the right):

Can anyone say F-U-T-I-L-I-T-Y? All together now...

In case you're wondering, the 800 pound gorilla on the left won the fight.

Well, that's the extent of the Cubs related content of this post.

And now for something completely different...

To wit, we're going to indulge in the posting of some family photos at TPNR.

Here's my oldest son (Christopher Jr) and I at an apple farm this last October:

Here's my youngest son (Calvin Nicholas) in his room among his animals:

Finally, and since we are, after all, infidels at this site - here's my personal favorite of the [in]famous Mohammed cartoons:

That is really quite funny.

2006-03-01T12:34:00.000-06:00

Red States Randy in Cubs Glory...

Ok - here are the long awaited photos of Red States Randy (the resident Cardinals fan here at our blog of the truly cursed) sporting that glorious Cubs hat that he rashly vowed he would wear last season if Derrek Lee beat Albert Pujols in even one of the three triple crown categories:

That's a close-up of Randy - I think he looks rather happy wearing that hat - don't you?

In fact, I'll bet that after seeing these photos he wishes he would make rash vows more often.

Here's one of Randy in his natural habitat conversing with a fellow simpleton (i.e., Cardinals fan):

As you might be able to tell from these pictures, Randy is a rather large fellow. In fact, he was an offensive lineman for a NCAA Division I football program (on a football scholarship no less) when he was in college.

That's one of the reasons I chuckle when I see commentators on our blog leave insulting or sniping comments to Randy's posts.

I'm fairly certain they wouldn't have the fortitude to say to his face the sentiments they occasionally leave in the combox.

Oh well. Randy - thanks for being a good sport! And if you care to make any more hasty vows in the near term, we're all ears my friend!

2006-02-22T09:13:00.000-06:00

WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC...

Now that the winter olympics are almost over (praise God for that), and the Illini appear to be on their way to a first or second round loss in the NCAA Tournament, I'm really getting fired up about the upcoming baseball season.

I have yet to watch one single second of the Olympics, and judging by the ratings they are recieving, I'm not alone in that. I guess it's safe to say I am not a big fan of curling, ice skating, or skiing for that matter. I have absolutely zero interest in any winter olympic sport. I don't like the summer olympics much more, although at least they have basketball, boxing, and some of the track and field events are pretty cool - but still they are almost as bad as the winter olympics.

The truth of the matter is I haven't watched much of the olympics in years. I think the year was 1988 (I could be mistaken on that), but I recall watching Roy Jones Jr. totally dominate this Korean boxer, and lose on a decision by biased judges. The Korean was a bloody mess, and Jones barely even broke a sweat and he still was hosed on the decision. Jones did everything but knock the dude out, which is pretty difficult to do with the head gear they wear in amateur boxing, but he still busted his face all up.

When Jones got screwed, I knew then and there that the olympics were a fraud and ruled by the political agendas of a few. Especially in those sports where there is no real objective score but the competitors rely on subjective judging - Americans always get screwed. Sometimes it even occurs in those sports where a score is kept, as many will recall from the hose job the Americans received in the 1972 Gold Medal Basketball game against Russia, where a so called olympic official not once but twice put time back on the clock to allow the Russians to score the winning basket. You got the impression that this judge would have just kept putting time on the clock until the Russians won the game.

The fact that the Olympic committee stopped playing baseball and softball has done nothing to encourage me to watch, in fact it has done the opposite. The United States dominates these sports, especially the Womens softball team, which hasn't lost a game in world competition in years.

The Olympics are a fraud, and a joke, and that's why I choose not to watch. Some are now suggesting that the advent of cable tv and the ability to watch the many other sports is the reason for the low ratings. Years ago the Olympics were a big deal, and they were, in fact, the only game in town. I suppose this has a little to do with the low ratings, but for the most part I think it is just due to the games being a fraud, they're no longer fair competitions. They're not even real competition, the games are like WWF Wrestling, it's a joke.

That's why I am pretty excited about the World Baseball Classic. I am actually looking forward to watching. Partially because I am baseball starved right now, but also because I'm looking forward to the Americans kicking some foreigner butt. I was disappointed that Albert Pujols chose to play for his native Dominican team, but I think the US roster is still strong.

We got Derrek Lee at first, Chase Utley at second, Jeter at short, A-rod at third, Varitek behind the plate. The rotation is anchored by Roger Clemens, Dontrelle Willis, Jake Peavy, and CC Sabathia. The US bullpen is absolutely sick with Lidge, Wagner, Cordero, and Huston Steet ready to close out games. I'd hate to be trailing after the 7th inning against that group. Johnny Damon, and Ken Griffey Jr. shore up the outfield. Not too mention Mark Texiera as the DH.

That's a pretty formidable team to say the least, should be very difficult for anyone to stop the US Team. So I say go USA. I guess for a few weeks I get to be a Derrek Lee fan, and root against Pujols.

2006-02-21T10:46:00.000-06:00

MY NEW JONES

The Jacque Jones signing has been much maligned and, considering Hendry's apparent lack of interest in a superior option just down the I-5 from me, rightfully so. My feeling was that Burnitz would probably put up similar numbers with more power. But beyond this, as others have mentioned, a team like the Cubs should not have so many questions mark running around the outfield, especially on the derriere that will be firmly implanted in front of the commuter friendly/freeloader hating knot hole.

The biggest problem with Jones is his decline from 02-03 to 04-05. Which will more accurately reflect his level of performance for the next three years? The 330 hits in 02 and 03 or the 271 hits of the last two years? Considering that he will be slotted to "protect" Lee and Ramirez (who will both have OBPs of between .350 and .400), this could really help the offense. Or hurt it equally.

Jones (31 on April 25)
Year avg/obp / slg
2002 300/341/511 (577 ABs)
2003 304/333/464 (517 ABs)
2004 254/315/427 (555 ABs)
2005 249/319/438 (523 ABs)

His BB/K rates were .29, .20, .34, and .43 while he hit 27, 16, 24 and 23 homers.

Interestingly, Jones and Burnitz had pretty similar years in 05. As a matter of fact, even including Burnitz's 04 season in Colorado, Jones has been better the past four years.

Burnitz (37 on April 15)
Year avg/obp / slg
2002 215 /311/365 (479 ABs)
2003 239 /299/487 (464 ABs)
2004 283 /356/559 (540 ABs)
2005 258 /322/435 (605 ABs)

His BB/K rates were .43, .31, .47, and .52 while he hit 19, 31, 37, and 24 homers.

If these trends continue, the Cubs have at least become younger in right without losing anything offensively. The hopes are, of course, that Jones will move back towards his 02-03 seasons. Burnitz doesn't possess a potential like this any longer. With the possibility of a platoon in right involving Jones and Grissom (please, anyone), right should be more productive.

Last year, Burnitz was .267/.345/.430 against right-handed pitching in 423 ABs (15 HR, 50 BB, 70 SO). Jones was .268/.348/.466 against right-handed pitching in 369 ABs (17 HR, 42 BB, 84 SO) while only .201/.247/.370 against left-handed pitching in 154 ABs (6 HR, 9 BB, 36 SO). Again, Jones should produce as much as Burnitz while possibly giving a decent improvement if a platoon is factored in or he moves back towards his 02-03 lines.

Another factor is defense. Jones has a reputation for his defense--notably his range. But his arm might be just as valuable. John Walsh, in a recent article on The Hardball Times site, Canons and Popguns -- Rating Outfield Arms, has attempted to rank outfield arms. According to his calculations, the best right fielders at throwing out runners (Kill Rate) are: Francoeur, Hawpe, Gibbons, Jenkins, and Ordonenz. But, the fifth best at holding runners from getting extra bases is none other than Jacque Jones (Hold Rate of 114, minimum of 75 opportunities). He is behind Lane (HldR 124), but only slightly behind Rios (HldR 117), Diaz (HldR 117), Vlad Guerrero (HldR 115). As far as runs saved by right-fielders, Jones again ranks fifth at 2.4 runs, behind Francoeur (5.5) Jenkins (3.6), Rios (2.6) and Lane (2.5). The improvement is seen especially in light of Burnitz's rate of -4.3 runs saved, second worst.

So what is Jones to the Cubs over Burintz? Younger. Slight offensive improvement (despite his BB/SO). Big defensive improvement. French name.

Another factor that had to be considered was the impending arrival of the much-heralded Pie. But this has more to do with a log jam in center with Pierre, than with right field.

The final consideration is money. Is Jones making too much? And, couldn't we have signed Giles for not that much more? No and yes, all things considered. Jones signed a 3 year $16M contract. Burnitz's 06 option was for $7M. So, the Cubs seem to be getting more for less. Giles re-signed with San Diego for 3 years/$30M, with a club option for 2009. Here are his numbers the last four years:

Giles (turned 35 on January 20th)

Year avg /obp /slg

2002 298/450/622 (497 ABs)
2003 299/427/514 (492 ABs)
2004 284/374/475 (609 ABs)

2005 301/423/483 (545 ABs)

His BB/K rate was 1.82, 1.81, 1.11, and 1.86 while he hit 38, 20, 23, and 15 homers.

Assuming the Cubs could have gotten Giles for $5-6M more per year over the next three years, would it have been worth it? I think so, but Giles' decreasing power (slugging of .622, .514, .475, .483) might indicate his age is catching up with him. Or, it might reflect his move to the spacious Petco Park. But, barring a return to the numbers of 02-03 for Jones, there is no reason to think that Giles won't put up better numbers during this time. And that's the problem. Why are the Cubs taking a chance on Jones instead of making a play for someone of Giles caliber?

The one possible saving factor here is derrek Lee. If Hendry is saving some money on Jones and signs Lee to a new contract before the season starts, as Lee himself has suggested, the signing makes some more sense. You have an upgrade in right and re-sign one of the marquee players in baseball. On the other hand, is there really any reason why the Cubs couldn't have spent a little more for one of the better right fielders in baseball too?

Do I love my new Jones? No, definitely not. Do I like my new Jones? Yeah, I think so. He's better than what was there with some potential to return to better days. But he'd be much more bearable with a four year contract--for Lee that is.

2006-02-17T08:57:00.000-06:00

Sammy "Say it ain't" Sosa...

Well it appears that Chris' boy and longtime Cub icon, Sammy Sosa, has rejected the Nationals one year offer, and according to his agent, "doesn't want to go through another season like he had last year."

Why, what happened to the Cub legend? What, just because he can't use the juice anymore and cork his bat he don't wanna play. Let's take a look at some of Sammy's career numbers pre-cork bat incident, and his numbers since then...

According to MLB.com Sammy has 8401 Ab's and hit a whopping 588 HR's for his career. Good for a HR every 14.3 AB's. Pretty impressive numbers I must say. However, let's look at his stats since the corked bat incident in 2004, he has hit a total of 30 HR's since in 658 Ab's, or 1 HR every 21.9 Ab's. Now I will admit that it has never been proven that a corked bat will help anyone to hit a ball longer, but they did outlaw it for a reason. You mix the cork bat he used his entire career, with the roids he was popping, makes for a pretty fraudulent career.

I get a kick out of Cub fans bashing McGwire and his apparent steroid habit. McGwire was always a tremendous power hitter, hitting a rookie record 49 HR's in 1987. Looking at Sammy's career you can see that the juice and the cork must have come along right about 1992 or 1993, interestingly enough right about the time he was traded to the Cubs (after all, I believe 4 of the 9 MLB players that have been busted for roids were former Cubs, atleast the last time I checked). Why do I say 1992/1993 time frame, well lets look at the numbers. His career high before 1992 was 15 HR in 532 Ab's, or 1 HR 35.4 Ab's. He hit 10 HR's once, and a few partial seasons with the White Sox, and Rangers, where his power numbers weren't pretty. In 1992, which was his first year with the Cubs, if I'm not mistaken, he hit 8 HR in 262 Ab's for a HR in 37.7 Ab ratio. Then all the sudden, out of no where, in 1993 he hits 33 HR in 598 Ab's, 1 in 18.1 Ab. This must be where the roids kicked in. I think the cork came along in 1998 when he had never hit more than 40 then all the sudden bangs out 66 HR's.

So Chris can argue all he wants about Big Mac and his steroids, but it is clear that Sammy was popping the juice as well. Not to mention Big Mac never got caught red handed, cheating like Sammy did with his corked bat. McGwire was always a great power hitter, even from his rookie year, Sammy was a skinny outfielder with little to no power before the juice.

The numbers don't lie, Sammay Sosa, the Cub icon was and always will be a fraud.

2006-02-06T10:18:00.000-06:00

A non-cubs related post...

Since the Cubs off-season has been essentially a non-event, and since this team needed to make significant improvements in order to return to possible playoff contention, there's not much to talk about for the realistic Cubs fan.

Therefore, this page has recently been limited to discussion of Big Ten basketball (memo to Rich McBride - please try to at least make a token effort to box someone out, especially in the last 10 seconds at home when the game is on the line) and the Cardinals (although this is a Cubs blog, we have one contributor who is a Cardinals fan. However, if my suspicions about the upcoming year are correct, we may need to refer to this site as a Cardinals blog with 4 relatively silent Cubs contributors).

In any event, since this is my blog, I reserve the right to talk about whatever I want, just as the reader reserves the right to ignore this space (and if our statistics are any indication this latter right has been exercised far more often than the former).

So with that in mind, I came across the following commentary in the Washington Times. Here's an excerpt (you'll want to read the entire article):

President [of Iran] Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's Shi'ite creed has convinced him lesser mortals can not only influence but hasten the awaited return of the 12th Imam, known as the Mahdi. Iran's dominant "Twelver" sect holds this will be Muhammad ibn Hasan, the righteous descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. He is said to have gone into "occlusion" in the 9th century, at age 5. His return will be preceded by cosmic chaos, war, bloodshed and pestilence. After this cataclysmic confrontation between the forces of good and evil, the Mahdi will lead the world to an era of universal peace.

"The ultimate promise of all Divine religions," says Ahmadinejad, "will be fulfilled with the emergence of a perfect human being [the 12th Imam], who is heir to all prophets. He will lead the world to justice and absolute peace. Oh mighty Lord, I pray to you to hasten the emergence of your last repository, the promised one." He reckons the return of the Imam, AWOL for 11 centuries, is only two years away.

Mr. Ahmadinejad is close to the messianic Hojjatieh Society, which is governed by the conviction the 12th Imam's return will be hastened by "the creation of chaos on Earth." He has fired Iran's most experienced diplomats and scores of other officials, presumably those who don't share his belief in apocalyptic conflagration.

Does anyone think allowing this guy to obtain a nuclear weapon is a good idea?

Folks this guy is trouble with a capital T - to put it mildly and colloquially.

Sanctions aren't going to work, and a diplomatic solution may well prove impossible in light of Ahmadinejad's core apocalyptic beliefs. Nor can Israel or the West rely on a Mutually Assured Destruction deterrent - a worldwide conflagration is fully what Ahmadinejad and his colleagues appear to be prophetically looking forward to.

We'd better figure out pretty quick how to effectively deal with this substantial problem before the world quite literally finds itself on a one-way trip to hell in a hand basket.

2006-02-05T13:53:00.000-06:00

FROM THE RED STATES...

Ok, since my posts on the blog have been few and far between the last few weeks since I have started school once again, and since they have been preoccupied with the Bears run into the playoffs, and their going up in flames almost before it even started, and with the Illini's choke job last night, I felt it was time to talk a little baseball.

Spring training is just around the corner, and I am starting to get the jones' for one of those Albert Pujols moon shots and Chris Carpenter sinking fastballs. I love the Bears and the Illini, but I am in love with the Cardinals, as they were and always will be my first love, sportwise that is.

I must say I have mixed feelings about the off season this year. I was expecting a huge spending spree with the Cardinals new stadium and all, only to find that Walt Jocketty was doing everything short of seperating two ply toilet paper into two roles to save money. Especially after the ridiculous ammounts of money being thrown around at mediocre players such as A.J. Burnett and Kevin Millwood. I'm not sure what to make of the Cardinals moves this off season, in Walt I Trust and he seems to be a genius at managing a baseball budget and finding the bargains that are available. My two predictions for those bargains this year are second baseman Junior Spivey, and pitcher Sidney Ponson.

Junior Spivey has been an All-Star before and his career OBP is a respectable .354, which should increase if LaRussa does as I suspect he will, and place Spivey in the two hole right after Eckstein and right before Pujols. The advantage of batting in front of Pujols did wonders for players such as Vina and Womack, although they were lead off hitters I expect the same results for Spivey. My concerns are with his health which has been suspect at best the past few seasons, and his defense. I am most concern with his glove because the Cardinals are exclusively ground ball pitchers and are depending on a solid infield defense, and the ability of the infielders to turn double plays, which they did last season at a record setting pace.

I also suspect the Cards will find a bargain in Sidney Ponson. I'm not sure why, I guess I just have a soft spot in my heart for guys that have struggled with things such as alcohol. I have faith that Dave Duncan can turn around the career of Ponson much in the same way he did for guys like Dave Stewart, Bob Welch, and Todd Stottlemyre. Ponson has had some good years with a bad Orioles team until his struggles, and I suspect that if he can stay off the sauce, stay out of jail, and listen to the tutoring of Duncan he can have a big year, or atleast a decent year, and for what the Cardinals are paying him it won't take much to get their money's worth. It's a no lose situation as far as I'm concerned, if he wins great, if he shows up half in the tank and goes to jail 7 or 8 times while in St. Louis then we just get rid of him and were not out much.

As far as the other moves I like Encarnacion a little bit and suspect he will give us about what we got out of Sanders, so I call that a wash. The other outfield slot is up in the ait but as long as that outfielder plays solid defense I think we will score enough runs to win. A lot of people say the Cards will miss Larry Walker, which I suppose is true but we were winning just fine in 2004 before Larry came on board and won just fine when he was out with an injury last year.

The rotation is solid from 1-4 with Carpenter, Mulder, Suppan, Marquis and look for a good battle between rookie Anthony Reyes and Ponson for the 5th spot. The pen is decent with Interestinghause who has Cardinals fan buying up the Maalox in mass quantities but he usually gets the job done. I like that we got rid of Ray "Burger" King and Tavarez and think the additions of Rincon and Looper can fill those roles. Nelson adds depth and a veteran who has won before. I call the pen a wash compared to last season.

As far as the Cubs are concerned I like the addition of Pierre at the top of the order. I think the questions for the Cubs will be health (as usual) and will Derreck Lee have even half the season he had last season? If the pitchers get healthy and stay that way, and last year was not a fluke for Lee then I expect the Cubs to be serious contenders for the division.

So this leaves me with my predictions, so here goes and remember I suck at sports predictions but I will give it a shot anyway...

NL Division Winners: Cardinals, Dodgers, and Braves (I went to pick the Mets but the Braves always seem to find a way to win the East and who am I to pick against 14 years in a row).

NL Wild Card: Mets, I think the Cubs will contend and expect Lee to have a good year but I think Ramiraz will be hurt (as usual) and teams will pitch around Lee down the stretch and the Cubs offense will go in the tank and the Cubs will come up just a little short.

AL Division Winners: Yankees, White Sox, Angels

AL Wild Card: Cleveland Indians, I think the Red Sox have lost quite a bit and really have done nothing to replace them. Beckett gets hurt and they rely on Clement down the stretch and that spells doom.

World Series: Cardinals and Yankees, the two winningest franchises in baseball history will meet up in the fall classic and the Cardinals will win 4-2. Hey if Mike can predict MSU to win the Big 10, I can pick the Cards to win the World Series.

2006-02-05T01:13:00.000-06:00

UPSET AT THE ASSEMBLY HALL...

Well I suppose our good friend Mike will be here shortly to rub it in, I must say I am surprised he has yet to post on the Illini choking away a 33 game home court winning streak to Penn St. I guess he has that right because this was an embarrassing loss to say the least.

What can you do but tip your hat to Penn St. and congratulate them? They rode out the storm of 3's and a 13-0 lead early on, played hard and won the game. Not to mention a gutsy call at the end, the correct call, but it still took guts to make that call.

Penn St. caught the Illini with their pants, or should I say their shorts, down. They were coming off a big win at Wisconsin and looking ahead to a tough road game next week at Ohio St. Tough loss, but there is a bright side maybe this loss will toughen up the boys and get their head out of the sky and re-focus on a tough schedule down the stretch, in the league, and post season.

Tip your hat and move on. Illinois played decent but Penn St. played great and deserved the win. No excuses or worries from this Illini fan.

2006-01-24T22:17:00.000-06:00

PICK 'EM

I'm not at all thrilled about the XL show in Detroit this year. If I have to choose, I'll go with the NFC, just so I don't have to hear how great the AFC is by comparison.

So, to divert some attention from this weekend's anti-climatic "let's pretend we're really excited about this one" coverage on TV, here's a quick look at the remaining Big Ten schedule and some predictions. The conference title will come down to the team which can hold serve (which most teams are doing), beat the weak four home and away (Northwestern, Penn St., Minnesota, Purdue) and steal one or two on the road against the top seven, listed below.

* Indicates probable NCAA tourny team . . . Actually, I think they'll all make the tourny.

Teams are listed by current Big Ten record followed by current conference record; ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll ranking; and AP ranking in parenthesis. Only the coaches poll is listed after that.

Illini (5-2; 6; 6)* (8-4 as of 2/20; T-2nd in Big Ten)
Home: Penn St. (L), Northwestern (W), Indiana (21) (W), Iowa
Away: Wisconsin (W), Ohio St. (19) (L), Michigan (20), Minnesota, Michigan St. (12)
Comments: They should win out their home schedule easily, but their road schedule (starting tonight) is a killer. Brutal. Worse yet, they have not proven they can win on the road. Expect two more losses, probably three. A win tonight at Wisconsin is vital for their title hopes which should be decided on 3/4 in East Lansing.
Prediciton: 11-5 (25-5)
Big Ten 2nd place (tie)

Scum-bag Wolverines (5-2; 20; 21)* (7-6 as of 2/20; 4th in Big Ten)
Home: Ohio St. (19) (L), Minnesota (W), Illinois (6), Indiana (21)
Away: Penn St. (W), Iowa (L), Purdue (L), Michigan St. (12) (L), Ohio St. (19)
Comments: They've been hot of late, especially at home (The logical explanation is that they are cheating AGAIN and will be on NCAA probation again very soon.). They need to win out at home (which they won't) and win 3 of 5 on the road (which they might do, depending on the Iowa game). The Illinois game on 2/21 will be huge in the Big Ten standings; they'll win.
Prediction: 11-5 (21-6)
Big Ten 2nd place (tie)

Hawkeyes (5-2; unranked; 23)* (9-4 as of 2/20; 1st in Big Ten)
Home: Michigan (20) (W), Michigan St. (12) (W), Penn St., Wisconsin
Away: Purdue (W), Northwestern (L), Indiana (21) (W), Minnesota (L), Illinois (6)
Comments: They've been good at home, beating Illinois (6), Indiana (21), and Ohio St. (19)--but they're getting a hot Michigan team and Michigan St. might have their number. The stretch from 2/11 -2/25 will determine where they finish (@ Indiana, MSU, @ Minn, @ Ill).
Prediction: 10-6 (20-7)
Big Ten 3rd place (tie)

Badgers (5-2; unranked)* (8-4 as of 2/20; T-2nd in Big Ten)
Home: Illinois (6) (L), Indiana (21) (W), Ohio St. (19) (W), Minnesota
Away: Purdue (L), Penn St. (W), Northwestern, Michigan St. (12), Iowa
Comments: If anyone can win the conference because of their schedule this year, it is the Badgers. They don't have to go to Illinois or Indiana, but will lose at Michigan St. and Iowa. If they can take 3 of 4 at the Kohl/J.C. Penney/Sears Center and all three at the weak sisters' (Purdue, Penn St. N'western), they'd end up 11-5. They won't.
Prediction: 10-6 (20-9)
Big Ten 3rd place (tie)

Buckeyes (4-3; 19; 20)* (8-4 as of 2/20; T-2nd in Big Ten)
Home: Minnesota (W), Illinois (6) (W), N'western (W), Michigan (20), Purdue
Away: Michigan(20) (W), Wisconsin (L), Michigan St. (12), N'western
Comments: From 2/9 to 2/25 they play: @ Mich, Ill, @ Wisc, N'western, @ MSU, and Mich. They'll lose four during this stretch.
Prediction: 9-7 (20-7)
Big Ten 4th place

Hoosiers (4-3; 21; 22)* (5-7 as of 2/20; 5th in Big Ten)
Home: Northwestern (W), Iowa (L), Penn St., Michigan St. (12)
Away: Wisconsin (L), Penn St. (L), Illinois (6) (L), Purdue, Michigan (20)
Comments: They've been bad on the road and good at home. The UConn game will be interesting, but it won't help them when they lose at Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan. Illinois will need them to beat MSU on 2/26.
Prediction: 10-6 (18-9)
Big Ten 3rd place (tie)

Spartans (4-3; 12; 12)* (7-5 as of 2/20; 3rd in Big Ten)
Home: Purdue (W), Michigan (20) (W), Ohio St. (19), Wisconsin, Illinois (6)
Away: Northwestern (W), Minnesota (L), Iowa (L), Indiana (21)
Comments: The Spartans have already taken their lumps on the road and actually have an easier schedule on the road than at home. Three consecutive games--Mich, Ohio St., and @ Indiana--will determine the importance of the Illinois game on 3/4 to end the conference regular schedule.
Prediction: 12-4 (24-6)
Big Ten Champs . . . and if you aren't drinking the Green Kool-Aid yet, here's a dose from ESPN which has them in the Final Four . . . again.

Remember, being biased doesn't mean you're wrong, it simply gives you an excuse if you are.

2006-01-23T16:14:00.000-06:00

Cubs sign Wade Miller...

The Cubs just inked former Astro/Red Sox pitcher Wade Miller to a one year $1 million deal. Although he had surgery on his labrum last year and isn't expected to pitch until May, I think this is a good signing for the Cubs. However, it's not significant enough to change our expectation that they finish 2nd or 3rd in the division.

2006-01-20T11:52:00.000-06:00

IF THE SHOE FITS . . .

It seems the Cubs' parent company is having a similar off-season as the club. From Editor and Publisher via Michelle Malkin:

CHICAGO (AP) Shares in Tribune Co. tumbled Thursday after the media company
reported a 6.1% drop in revenue last month on declines in both its newspaper and
television businesses.
Tribune, whose holdings include 26 television stations, 11 urban U.S. dailies and Spanish-language Hoy, said December revenue fell to $539 million from $574 million a year earlier.
The company's stock fell $1.01, or 3.2%, to $30.80 in afternoon trading on the New York Stock Exchange. Tribune shares sank 28% in 2005.

Apparently, advertisers are finally giving up on the Left Angeles Times (Gee, aren't I so clever?), since nobody out here reads that daily rag any more:

Advertising revenue in the publishing division fell 4.5%to $333 million, down
from $349 million. The decline included a 5.2% decrease in retail ad revenue and
a 9.6% decline in national ad revenue, mainly at the Los Angeles Times.
Classified ad revenue edged up 2.5%.

But I know that the addition of Juan Pierre and Jacque Jones will turn this around in a few months:

Broadcasting and entertainment group revenue in December declined 11.9% to $126
million, compared with $143 million last year. Television revenue fell 10.1% on
weak ad revenue in most markets.

And is it me, or does this trend perfectly reflect the Cubs since their Bullish prospects of late 2003?

Down, down, down, down . . .

On the bright side, now would be a good time for a Cubs Blog Army offensive to purchase shares and take control of the club's future. Sorry son, it'll be a state school for you.

2006-01-15T21:05:00.000-06:00

Disgusting in Chicago...

Absolutely disgusting results from Soldier Field tonight. Is there a worse way to describe that game than that. I'm at a loss for words. If you told me before the game started that the Bears would score 21 points on 3 solid drives by the Bears offense, I would have bet the farm the Bears would win. As it turns out I would have lost my farm. I guess it's a good thing I don't have a farm, and nobody told me that before the game.

All season long the D has carried us, got us where we were, and as it turns out was the deciding factor in ending the season. That performance was horrendous, absolutely disgusting. I guess all the hype on Ron Rivera being someones next head coach is put to rest. He and the entire Bears defensive staff got their rear ends handed to them in humiliating fashion.

Although I am not a big fan of "moral victories", or "it was a successful season", blah blah blah. I will say it was a good season, not successful, because the ultimate goal is to win the Super Bowl. That having been said, we failed to get it done when it counted, and that disgusts me.

There were some psoitive things about the performance today. One was we might have a pretty decent offense going into next season. Assuming of course that Grossman can stay healthy, big assumption of course, considering he never has. Also we may have found a go to reciever in Bernard Berrian, who was playing great until he got hurt. Berrian has great speed and showed a real ability to hang on to the ball, even when he was drilled. Maybe Muhsin Muhhamad should try and learn a little from this.

Defensively, although they disgusted me today, I don't think much is needed. One clear need is another corner opposite Nathan Vasher. At times Charles Tillman looked lost out there and he had no chance at covering Steve Smith. I mean Smith is a great player but this is not the first game Tillman has choked , the Cleveland loss, and the Bengals game come to mind. Another corner opposite Vasher would be a nice addition. Also I hate to say this because I love the guy, but a replacement for Mike Brown might be needed. This so called "calf injury" that put him out for 5 weeks, and kept him out of the game tonight, I believe, is alot more serious than they are letting on. Remember the torn achilles last year. I'm afraid a backup plan might be needed for next season. Other than that on the defensive side of the ball I think were set. I would push hard for a contract extension for Lance Briggs before he hits the open market and costs us a arm and leg to re-sign him. If we can accomplish these three things in the off season I will be happy.

On offense, I think the needs are more serious, obviously. I think the first order of business is a tight end that can catch a pass half the time. Although Clark caught a TD tonight, that just proves once again that even a busted clock is right twice a day. First, I find a tight end somewhere. Tony Gonzalez I believe is a free agent, would be nice to have. If there is nothing available via free agency, I really Like Leonard Pope from Georgia. That dude is 6'8" and would present huge options for us and match up problems for opposing teams. How in the world do you cover a 6'8" 270 pound tight end. Pope has great hands, and with his size I suspect would be a great blocker. Mercedes Lewis from UCLA, and Vernon Davis from Maryland, are also solid tight end candidates that might be available to us late in the first round.

Secondly, we need depth at O-line. I hated the fact that we signed Garza to a 6 year deal. Garza is a waste of human space if you ask me, and we would have been better off flushing the money down the toilet. I love Kreutz, Brown and Miller are about 3 or 4 years away from drawing Social Security. I guess were stuck with Garza now. If I'm running the show I sign a real left tackle and move Tait back to right tackle.

We obviously need another reciever or two. I like Bradley coming back healthy next season, and the emergence of Berrian has us headed in the right direction. I despise Muhammad, I'd release him, but I relize that ain't gonna happen. Two free agents this season I would love to see the Bears go after, first would be Reggie Wayne. I think he might be signable because I don't see Indianapolis having the money to sign Edgerrin James and him. Also I would love to see the Bears get Antwaan Randle El. He's from Chicaog and he might like to return home as a free agent. Might I add he would solve our horrendous punt return problem as well.

All in all I think the Bears are close to being a serious Super Bowl contender. Were not there yet but really close. I trully believe defense wins championships and although they let us down today I have faith in these guys on D. I was not a big Grossman fan before today, but he played pretty well today and he has won me over. Can he stay healthy? I really believe a serious threat at tight end will make the difference for the Bears on O. I really think Leonard Pope is that guy. On draft day I would consider trading up a few spots if we got a shot at this guy.

I haven't said this about a football season for awhile, but I'm already looking forward to next year.

2006-01-15T04:07:00.000-06:00

TOMORROW'S HEADLINE TODAY: "BEARS WIN, MOTIVATED BY SHUTTING UP CHRIS 'STILL LAME AFTER ALL THESE YEARS' BERMAN"

Aside from his gutless "let's pounce on Limbaugh now that he's gone" commentary and blithering idiocy any time he addresses a serious issue, Berman's schtick is as annoying as Bill Walton. Do I need to explain that any further? And--like Walton--he needs to be put out to pasture. I hope beyond hope our beloved Bears will win for the good of humanity so that we are no longer subjected to nicks like Jake "There's No Place" Delhomme again.

Prediction: Bears 16, Panthers 10

Why?

Both the Bears and Panthers have outstanding defenses and mediocre offenses, except the Bears are 5th in the conference in Rushing offense. They will run enough to make a difference and the inexperienced Grossman will threaten to throw more than 3 or 4 yards per attempt. On the other hand, Delhomme is a proven and pretty good QB, but if the Panthers aren't able to run, forget it.

So, will Carolina run on the Bears? Nope. Deshaun Foster and his toe will have plenty of time to rest after the game. If you look at his numbers you will see he had his big games against Atlanta, the 14th rated rushing defense in the conference (i.e. 3rd worst). And even New Orleans, one of 2 teams worse than Atlanta in this, held him to 75 yds on 21 carries. Above average rushing D's like Tampa, Chicago, and Dallas all held him to less than that, much, much less. And if you are thinking about his 151 yds against the Giants--as Urlacher said it, "We're not the Giants."

2006-01-14T21:00:00.000-06:00

PA-PA PLAYOFFS!!!

That quote does have a nice ring to it it, doesn't it Bears fans. With a Jim Mora accent to it.

Unfortunately for the Bears they are doomed to failure before the game even starts. Why, you ask? Well it's simple really, they are doomed because I am a die hard Bears fan, which means they will lose in the post season. Let's look at my track record with my die hard teams (Bears, Cardinals, and the Illini) and their playoff performances...

1977-Bears lose their first playoff against the Cowboys
1982-Cardinals do manage to beat the curse and win the World Series.
1984-Bears lose NFC Championship to the 49ers
1985-Cardinals get screwed by the "Dink" in game 6 and blow a 3 game to 1 lead and blow the World Series to the Royals.
1985-Bears also manage to beat the curse and win the Superbowl.
1986-Bears choke at home in the playoffs to the Redskins.
1987-Bears get beat in the playoffs once again.
1987-Cardinals can't manage to win one freaking road game and lose the World Series 3 games to 2, to the Twins.
1988-Bears lose the NFC Championship game at home to the 49ers (again)
1989-Illinois gets hosed in the Final Four and loses to Michigan (who they beat twice in the regular season)
1990-Bears once again lose in the playoffs.
1991-Just when you thought the Bears were done screwing me, they do it once again.
1995-The Wannstedt led Bears win one playoff game in Minnesota only to lose to the 49ers for a third time in the playoffs. Did I mention that I hate the 49ers.
1996-Cardinals once again blow a 3 game to 1 lead in the NLCS and lose to the Braves.
2000-Cardinals lose the NLCS once again.
2001-Well the Cardinals got tired of hosing me in the NLCS so this year, for a little change of pace,they did it a series earlier and lost in the NLDS to the D'Backs.
2002-Back to normal for the Cardinals and they lost in the NLCS.
2004-Cardinals humiliate themselves by getting swept in the World Series and breaking a 80 or 90 year old curse to the Red Sox.
2005-Illinois joins in on the fun once again and comes up a few points shy of the National Championship, losing to North Carolina.
2005-Cardinals continue their streak of breaking my heart by losing once again in the NLCS.

So that brings me to tomorrow. I'm excited about the Bears being in the pa-pa playoffs, but pardon me if I don't seem too optimistic about their chances. After all I am a solid 2-17 in post season appearances by my teams (that's not even counting the many heart aches Illinois has given me in the NCAA Tournament-I just counted their two Final Four appearances). So here we go again.

I know what you Cubs fans are thinking..."well atleast your teams have winning seasons and are fortunate enough to get to the post season fairly regularly." To that I say, I have rooted for teams that have sucked and I knew it, everyone knew it and they lost, that's not near as painful as getting your hopes up then having them dashed right before your very eyes. Not even close in comparing the two.

So looking at tomorrows Bears game, I'm excited but not foolish enough to get my hopes up.

2006-01-13T21:29:00.000-06:00

Nothing to see here...

As you know, the Cubs convention kicks off today and it will, no doubt, prove to be a major non-event.

Here's what management can take the weekend to try to explain - Apparently Prior is "peeved" that the club was entertaining trade offers for him, the Cubs are prepared to start the season without Wood (good thing they kept pitching him in August and September when it was clear to everyone but the deluded that the season was over), the team is trying to trade one of the only guys who can actually get on base consistently, and as a result of the preceding and more the team isn't going to finish any better than last years miserable squad.

Meanwhile, teams like the Mets, Dodgers, and Houston (apparently the Astros are making a play for Aubrey Huff) are all of trying to get better while Hendry and company sit on their hands and spin this offseason as "solid."

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to plot out the trajectory charted by Hendry et al for this season. Barring some substantial offensive moves and a healthy starting rotation, this team will struggle to finish fourth.

Anyway - on to a real Chicago team - the Bears. Seems that most of the experts are picking against the Orange and Blue Sunday, even though Chicago beat Carolina at ~~Carolina~~ Chicago earlier this year. The consensus from both ESPN and Sports Illustrated is that Carolina will win the game.

I hate to say it, but I'm a little apprehensive about the game as well. I think it will turn on how many turnovers the Bears offense commits. If Rex Grossman tries to single handedly win the game and turns the ball over in the first half - I think Carolina will win. I'm also hoping we don't see a reprise of the defensive performance that we saw against Pittsburgh.

2006-01-09T22:26:00.000-06:00

ADIOS Corey!

We're gonna miss your glove, but not that bat. May you refind your form of 2003 somewhere down the line.

2006-01-09T17:10:00.000-06:00

HOKIE IN THE POKIE?

As if stomping on your opponent's leg wasn't enough for the erstwhile Virginia Tech signal barker to go along with pot possession, reckless driving, and speeding on a revoked/suspended license, Marcus Vick was arrested on three counts of brandishing a firearm at a Suffolk, VA McDonald's. The 21 year-old Vick pulled a piece on three others, one a 17 year old, a few days after declaring for the draft.

One official at the Virginia Department of Corrections said that both Red Onion and Wallens Ridge State Prisons will take serious looks at Vick during private workouts, though both would prefer more a pocket passer.

"His mobility could come in handy," said one inmate.

Witnesses at the scene say Vick was overheard yelling, "Supersize This, Punk!" as he pulled the weapon.

2006-01-06T05:30:00.000-06:00

News from our Neck of the Woods

It looks like our favorite red-headed catcher will be walking into town. Jody Davis will be managing the Peoria Chiefs - the Cub's class A affiliate.

2006-01-06T01:28:00.000-06:00

HOW 'BOUT THEM ILLINI...

I got home from work about 1130, and amazingly I was able to manage to get through 8 hours at work, and not hear anything about the Illinois/Michigan State game. So I got to pop in the DVD I taped the game on and watch. At this point I would like to say that I think DVD recorders are the greatest thing invented since sliced bread. Needless to say I was pleased with the outcome. Illini 60, Michigan St. 50.

After the game I immediately jumped online to see if our good friend and fellow blogger Mike had anything to say regaurding the game. I must admit I am not surprised to see silence coming from Mike. Maybe he was busy tonight or something, I don't know. Then again maybe Mike is just ticked off, I know I would be if my Illini had lost 4 in a row to the Spartans. However, it is the other way around as Mike's Michigan St. Spartans, and their two National Championships that Mike likes to brag about, have now lost 4 straight to our Illini, so that's why I'm not surprised to see nothing from Mike.

However it was our friend Mike who said this just a few weeks ago, "I'm looking forward to watching the Spartans dominate the Big 10 this year." Being the Bible scholar that Mike is, he will recognize this verse, "pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."

With that verse in mind, I digress.

My thoughts on the game, and the Big 10 season that is underway. First of all, Illinois better find someone else besides Dee Brown to score. Augustine was again a no show in a big game, just as he was in the National Championship game against North Carolina. The Illini defense is suffocating, and dare I say it maybe better than last year. Led by Peoria's own Brian Randle who absolutely shut down Maurice Ager, who was about 15 points below is season average.

The schedule doesn't favor Illinois early on as they travel on the road and head to Iowa this weekend. Followed by games against Indiana and a very good young Michigan team. However, the schedule Michigan St. has early on makes that look like cupcake city. If I remember right they play at Wisconsin next and winning at the Kohl Center is no easy task. They also play Indiana, and a very solid Ohio St team on the road. Absolutely brutal first 4 games, 3 of which are on the road. I guess that means Michigan St. has a lot of home games down the stretch, and that will be to thier advantage. The last game of the regular season being at the Breslin Center against Illinois.

I think the key will be, can Michigan St. split the first 4 games. I think if they can split and go 2-2, even if they're a game or two out they have a great shot to win the Big 10. However, if they go 1-3, or lose all 4 it might be too much to overcome early on. Absolutely brutal schedule early on.

I'm looking forward to Big 10 basketball this season, and I think the Big 10 is back to being on top in the NCAA. The ACC gets all the pub, but top to bottom I think the Big 10 is better.

I guess now I get fired up for the Bears in the playoffs. Hey, that happens every 7 or 8 years or so. With that in mind I am praying the the Bears game is next Sunday and not Saturday. I say this because if it is on Saturday I might have to do something that I have never done, call in sick to work. I can honeslty say that I have never called in sick to work. Sure I have taken a few scheduled days off, but in my life I have never missed a day of work when I was scheduled to be there. Being at a new job with no vacation time, and sometimes being forced to work on Saturday's, should that happen, and should the Bears have to play on Saturday, I might come down with a case of the dreaded orange and blue flue. I would hate to ruin my perfect attendance record for a football game, but like I said the Bears only make the playoff's every 7 or 8 years.

2006-01-05T13:49:00.000-06:00

Greatest Team ever?

Of course you know that this post cannot have anything to do with the Cubs with a title like that.

I am referring to the recent ESPN series on the 2005 USC Trojans. I have to admit that I thought that this series that ESPN ran in the run-up to the Rose Bowl which compared the 2005 USC squad to the "ten greatest college football teams of all time" was a joke - especially May's and Herbstreit's perspectives.

These two clowns had USC beating every one of the top ten except one (Herbstreit picked the 2001 Miami squad to win a head-to-head between the two, while May picked the 1995 Nebraska Team as the lone team able to beat the mighty Trojan squad of 2005).

I thought (while the series was unfolding and Herbstreit and May were slobbering all over this current USC team) what an irony it would be if this greatest team ever couldn't even win their upcoming contest against the Longhorns from Texas.

The whole thing seemed premature at the very least, since USC still had to beat Texas in the Rose Bowl. Since ESPN didn't run a concurrent series comparing Texas to the 10 greatest teams of all time, it's apparent who they expected to win.

Was Texas justified in feeling slighted before the game was even played? I certainly think they were, and even though I expected USC to win the game - I'm glad that ESPN (and especially Herbstreit and May) got egg on their face as a result of this farce.

Perhaps this will teach them to be a bit more reserved with regard to presumptively anointing modern teams as "the greatest ever" - especially while they still have games to be played.

Oh - and if any of you would like to purchase this toy for me - I promise to use this space to say really nice things about you for at least the next year.

2006-01-04T20:30:00.000-06:00

O's Reject Trade Offer for Tejada

The Baltimore Sun:

Two club sources said yesterday that the Orioles will not accept the Boston Red Sox's offer of All-Star outfielder Manny Ramirez, pitcher Matt Clement and cash for disgruntled shortstop Miguel Tejada

If the Orioles rejected this offer there is absolutely no way the Cubs are going to land Tejada. I might be eating my Nikes in a few weeks, but this just isn't going to be happening. These rumors are ridiculous. Here are some offers I think the O's would take for Tejada [some serious, most not-so-serious]:

the Cub corner infielders
Mark Prior, Rich Hill, Ronnie Cedeno, Felix Pie, and money
the children (or at least DNA) of 200 die-hard Cub fans who have "blind loyalty" encoded in their genes - the O's would just have to program them for the orange instead of the blue and could form an army of fans that would pack Camden Yards regardless of won/loss record
$120M and a pack of assorted nuts from Nuts on Clark
Rich Hill and Carlos Zambrano [as long as they can keep him away from e-mail]
Steve Stone (didn't he used to play for the O's - oh, wait, the Cubs fired him) and Ronnie "Woo Woo" Wickers
the recipe for Steve Bartman baseball stew

Additional suggestions are warmly welcomed in the comments section.

2006-01-04T15:57:00.000-06:00

TAKE OUT YOUR SCORECARDS FOR TODAY'S LINEUP . . .

ESPN has a graphic of projected starters for both the NL and AL sorted by division which makes it easy to compare the moves in the NL central so far. Just a few notes on this.

*They're smart enough to have Walker as the starting 2nd bagger, Even though Dusty and Mike Kiley would most likely place Neifi ahead of unshaven trade bait.

*Cinci and Pittsburgh will be Cinci and Pittsburgh once again.

*The Cards have slipped a little on offense and in their pitching (their pen is almost completely new) from last year as they stand. Rolen wasn't exactly the 2004 edition last year when he did play, but if he has another year like that one they'll win about 90-95 games this year. The Bigbie/Rodriguez and Encarnacion outfield is an unknown, but will certainly regress from last year's corners.

*Houston's offense is anemic, but their starting pitching is still decent, even without Clemens. I'm more inclined to think they won't make any incredible runs like they did last year. No Clemens insures this.

*Milwaukee could surprise everyone, but still seems like a .500 team.

*So do the Cubs. Unless Prior, Wood, and Z have big years. Somewhere in the neighborhood of 15-18 wins apiece and making 90% of their starts. Plus Maddux and the number 5 need to be around .500. Fortunately, the bullpen should be an improvement and it'll be nice to have the roles defined going into spring training.

My line up right now would be:

Pierre
Walker
Lee
Ramirez
Jones*
Barrett
Murton
Cedeno

*He should be platooned (with Grissom?) and moved down the order when the K's rise and the OPS falls--or never gets off the ground.

I don't think a few games over .500 is out of the question with healthy pitching and decent 1 and 2 hitters (I'm resigned to the fact that we won't have any further improvements . . . errr . . . overpaid changes in the outfield. Oui, oui Jacque, I speak of you). They're in a weaker division and might be slightly better among the position players. But that's not enough. The problem is, we need great healthy pitching.

2006-01-04T08:30:00.000-06:00

Augie!!!

Augie Ojeda has signed a minor league contract with the Cubs. Augie is quite the Cubs phenomenon. To my recollection, I haven't seen a Cub that hits so poorly be loved so dearly. I guess this goes to show that if a player has a name that makes a good bleacher chant fans are willing to shed their favor upon a defensive specialist.

2006-01-03T06:17:00.000-06:00

Grissom Expected to Sign with Cubs

The Sun-Times reports:

The Cubs will make an announcement today, but barring something unexpected, it won't be about a trade for Baltimore Orioles shortstop Miguel Tejada. They are expected to reveal that veteran outfielder Marquis Grissom has agreed to terms on a minor-league contract for 2006.

Is this the power we were expecting Hendry to get? This team is looking completely different from the lineup of the last couple years - not just in names, but in the profile of each player.

2006-01-03T00:31:00.000-06:00

ND-OSU...

Well I'm bummed about the ND game - I was hoping for a different outcome as an ND fan. I have only 2 comments after having watched the game:

1) Is there anything more hideous looking than the Irish defense? That defense is p-a-t-h-e-t-i-c! The secondary is a disgrace. Every game we see the offense desperately trying to overcome the points given up by the defense. I hope we see more from the D next year.

2) I hope and pray that Weis can find someone to replace the kicker Fitzpatrick. Extra Points should be automatic at a D-1 school like ND (as should FG's inside 40 yards). This guy almost cost ND the Stanford game and he did blow a 34 yard FG against either MSU or USC (I can't remember which) that would have been the difference in the game. Anyway - please tell me that the Irish can get a reliable kicker for next season's championship run (they should be pre-season top 10).

As for the Cubs - I like the rumors I've heard lately from the MLB Trade Rumors site about the Cubs interest in Zito. Getting him would firm up a questionable rotation and raise the 2006 Peoria Northsider Probable Playoff Meter 30 percentage points - it would then level off at a whopping 60%.

2006-01-02T12:29:00.000-06:00

Pirates Looking at Sosa

It appears the Pittsburgh Pirates are interested in Sammy Sosa. ChicagoSports.com has the story. Hasn't anyone learned from the last two years? If I were the Pirates, I'd probably rather resign Lloyd McClendon and have him play right field.

2006-01-01T07:31:00.000-06:00

THE BEARS, THE DRAFT, AND JERRY ANGELO...

Well anyone who has followed this blog with any sort of regularity will know my disdain for Jerry Angelo, as I have made it no secret of the fact that I think the Bears won't win jack until he is fired. My favorite website for crying out loud is www.firejerryangelo.com, it's a great read for those interested in some of the bonehead moves he's made, since taking over our Bears.

I think his moves in the free agent market leave alot to be desired. John Tait last season was the big acquisition, and I guess he is ok, but for the money were paying him, I expect Pro Bowl. Muhsin Muhammad was the big signing this year, and I am beginning to think this dude couldn't catch a cold if he was standing outside, buck naked, in Alaska, with his hair wet. All I see him do is whining on the sidelines about not getting the ball, then he proceeds to average 3 or 4 drops a week. Our friend Jerry Angelo has yet to acquire a veteran back up QB, and that has all been forgotten thanks to Kyle Orton. Have the Bears even had a tight end since Emery Moorehead.

A few things I will give Jerry credit on, he really hosed the Dolphins on the Marty Booker for Adewale Ogunleye trade, however I think that just fell into his lap since Ogun was a hold out in Miami and the Dolphins were just trying to dump him to get anything for him. I think we also threw in a draft pick on that one but we still got the upper hand of that deal. Also two moves he made this year that is starting to pay off, 1) he didn't put Rex Grossman on IR and kept his spot on the roster in hopes of having him late in the season, and 2) he did the same thing with Bernard Berrian, who is really starting to develop into a decent reciever, and I think he has surpassed Moose as our best.

The one thing that I have noticed about Jerry, and I guess the main thing that irk's me about this guy is his draft picks, especially first rounders. Let's take a look at the first round picks Jerry has made since taking over in 2002...

2002-Marc Colombo
2003-Michael Haynes and Rex Grossman
2004-Tommie Harris
2005-Cedric Benson

The draft that really bothers me is the 2003 draft. We were holding 2 first round selections and remember we passed on Byron Leftwich, traded down and got Michael Haynes. I think it is safe to say that the Michael Haynes is a bust. He might develop for someone else, but he will never be more than a back up DE as long as he stays in Chicago. Rex Grossman was the 22nd pick, and all we really know about Rex is that were counting on him this post season, and that the past 2 years when we have counted on him, he has broke it off in us. I took a look at the 2003 draft and, in Jerry's defense, that draft was a joke. Really weak especially in the first round as Carson Palmer is the only guy really doing anything. Great names such as Dallas Clark, Andre Johnson, and Charles Rogers were taken in the first round, and that's just the names of the few guys I have heard of.

Now speaking of Jerry's draft picking ability, I will say this for him, he can really find the diamonds in the rough. He has some outstanding picks from the 3rd round on. Look at some of these guys and what round he got them in...

Alex Brown, 4th round, 2002
Terrance Metcalf, 3rd round, 2002
Adrian Peterson, 6th round, 2002
Lance Briggs, 3rd round, 2003
Ian Scott, 4th round, 2003
Justin Gage, 5th round, 2003
Bernard Berrian, 3rd round, 2004
Nate Vasher, 4th round, 2004
Leon Joe, 4th round, 2004
Kyle Orton, 4th round, 2005
Chris Harris, 6th round 2005

So in back to back to back years we got two Pro Bowlers, Lance Briggs, and Nate Vasher, and a possible Pro Bowler in Alex Brown. We also got a starting defensive lineman in the 4th round in Ian Scott. Not to mention a possible defensive rookie of the year this year (or might atleast get some votes) in Chris Harris, a 6th rounder. Not to mention Kyle Orton in the 4th round this year, who really saved our bacon. I mean he didn't light it up in the regular season, but come on had he not done so good in the pre season Lovie might have stuck with Chad Hutchinson. Dare we even think what might have been with this season had that happened.

So knowing this about our boy Jerry, and knowing that we will be picking so late in the first round this year (anywhere from 25-32, hopefully 32 because that means we will have won the Super Bowl) it wouldn't offend me if we just traded out of the first round altogether. Then we won't have another whining, 1st round, superstar, holding out of camp, crying about how much money he should be getting.

2005-12-29T02:25:00.000-06:00

Tejada out... Preston Wilson in?

You never know with regard to these types of rumors - but this one has an air of plausibility. Tim Dierkes over at MLB Trade rumors is reporting that the Tejada for Prior deal is apparently dead (thank-goodness), and also that the Cubs are close to signing Preston Wilson to play Right Field - which then means that Jones will platoon with Murton in LF (a good move in my opinion - I'm just surprised that Hendry's paying someone $5 million per for a platoon situation).

Here's the money quote from Dierkes' piece - he has Hendry and the Cubs pegged:

It seems that the Tejada deal is dead and the Orioles have rejected the Cubs' offer. Cubs GM Jim Hendry is looking in another direction for some added power in the lineup, and Wilson is his type of player. By that, I mean that Wilson is an affordable outfielder with average to below average plate discipline. He's a career .264/.333/.478 hitter.

Exactly.

I guess I should be happy that Mark Prior isn't going to be shipped anywhere. This still isn't an offense that will frighten anyone - which means that the starting rotation (and bullpen) are going to have to be near perfect for this team to compete next season.

Current Peoria Northsider Report Cubs 2006 Playoff Percentage Meter (CPNRCPPM): 30%

And oh yeah - was anyone else annoyed by that awful blue field at the MPC Computers Bowl at Boise yesterday?

2005-12-28T21:21:00.000-06:00

PAT WILLIAMS IS NO BRAIN SURGEON...

A supposed meaningless game with the Viqueens on Sunday has taken on new meaning, and could get pretty interesting if Viqueens Defensive Tackle Pat Williams doesn't learn to shut his pie hole.

"He's a joke, a complete joke, I haven't had any respect for him since he has been in this league," Williams said about Olin Kruetz in an interview with a Minnesota newspaper last month. Then this past week when the Pro Bowl announcements were made Williams agent acused the Bears players and in particular Olin Kreutz of organizing a black ball among other players to keep Williams out of the Pro Bowl.

What was Kruetz's response, well he called Williams "a fat slob", and when asked what he ever did to Williams, Kruetz just said "I don't know , I guess I made him mad somehow, I guess I stole his cheeseburger."

Wasn't it just a month or so ago that Kruetz broke the jaw of one of his own teammates Fred Miller after they got drunk and went to a shooting range together. If Kruetz would break the jaw of one of his own teammates, what do you suppose he would do to a member of another team. Especially one of the hated Viqueens. Especially one who keeps running his mouth.

Kruetz is widely regaurded as the best centers in football, and one of the meanest men in football. Personally I love the guy and he is one of my favorite players. He is certainly one guy you never want to piss off, as Fred Miller found out earlier this year. He's a throwback to the old days and doesn't take any crapola from anybody.

Needless to say I will be keeping an eye on this match up come Sunday afternoon.

2005-12-28T13:57:00.000-06:00

Post-Christmas Thoughts...

Hope everyone has had a blessed Christmas. I've certainly enjoyed the break from school.

In any event, just a few thoughts to share during the holiday break.

1) Prior for Tejada rumors. I don't like this deal. This current rotation (Zambrano, Prior, Wood, Maddux, Williams) already is questionable. If Wood or Prior loses any time to injury, Maddux then becomes the #3 starter - and at this stage in his career he isn't anything more than a serviceable #5 (on a playoff contending team). If this current staff stays healthy all season (a highly suspect proposition), you've still got Maddux and Williams starting 40% of your games - and with this offense that's a formula for trouble my friends. Therefore, losing Prior will only aggravate matters, unless a pitcher of somewhat comparable stature (e.g., Zito) is acquired.

Yes, Tejada's bat is necessary since this team will continue to struggle offensively unless something is done on this front. However, filling holes by creating new ones isn't a solution which promises real progress. If this deal is done (and no comparable replacement for Prior is found), the Cubs will still finish 2nd or 3rd in the division (if Roger Clemens comes back with the Astros, the Cubs will fight for 3rd or 4th).

2) Todd Walker. We'll have to wait and see how this ultimately turns out, but I don't understand why Todd Walker has apparently been consigned to serve as trade bait by this ball club. This man has shown a persistent ability to get on base - something this team desperately needs. He is a contact hitter who has excellent plate discipline (this may actually explain why the Cubs want to get rid of him). He batted .305 last season and posted a .355 OBP. His defense is admittedly nothing spectacular, but is it bad enough to negate the offensive contributions he makes to this team? I certainly don’t think so. I say bring Walker back and let him start at 2nd base.

3) Playoffs?! This team, as it is presently constructed, will not seriously compete for playoff contention next season unless both Wood and Prior return to 2003 form and the lack of offensive production from the OF is addressed in some substantive way (Pierre and Jones don’t qualify as addressing this problem btw).

Lastly, The Red Reporter is hosting a best major league blog award and the Peoria Northsider report has been nominated!

Just kidding. Actually, 2 Cubs blogs made the list – therefore, go vote for Al Yellon’s Bleed Cubbie Blue like I did. Yes – he is wildly unrealistic, but he’s a good guy and he puts a lot of work into his site.

2005-12-25T01:22:00.000-06:00

WHERE IN THE WORLD DID 20 YEARS GO?

First of all Merry Christmas to everyone. It is about 130 in the morning on Christmas morning and I am killing time for a couple hours until I fulfill my regular Sunday morning duty of helping my mom with her ridiculous paper route. I was hoping I would get news that she quit that stupid thing for Christmas, no such luck. So because I am such a loving, caring son, I go help her on Sunday's when the papers weigh more than she does.

In our family we celebrate the traditional exchanging of gifts, for various reasons-the most of which family logistics, on Christmas Eve.

I really hate shopping period, especially Christmas shopping. For my mother and sister, it's the standard gift cards. Screw it I say, let them go get whatever they want and leave me out of it. For my 13 yeard old nephew, I usually go with cold hard cash. My 7 year old nephew is pretty easy, just pick out a few toys and be done with it, prefferably something that flies, explodes, or goes really fast. I am a really cool uncle because I found a few things that do all three at the same time. Then theres my dad...

My dad is pretty easy because anything that I think is pretty cool, he would think is pretty cool. He hasn't really picked up on my love for golf, but other than that were pretty much the same. I was surfing the Chicago Tribune web site a few weeks ago and they had an advertisement selling the entire 1985 Bears season on DVD. The cost was about 80$. I couldn't resist because as much as I know he would love that, I think I would enjoy watching those even more. Come on now I can't be the only guy guilty of doing something like that, you know giving someone a gift that you are hoping you might get the chance to enjoy as well.

The first thing I noticed was the packaging these DVD's were in. I was expecting a professional job with each DVD in it's own little box, instead there were all in there own little paper sleeve with a handwritten wk1, wk2, and so forth on each DVD. Also they were coming from some outfit out of New York, which was surprise.

It took me and dad about 5 minutes after we were all done opening the gifts to plop down in front of the TV and watch Da Bears. The first game we picked out was the game against Dallas. The first thing noticeable was the fact that Pat Summerall and John Madden looked so young, well 20 years younger I reckon. John Madden is the man in my opinion. For example in that game Pat Summerall was talking about Bears center Jay Hilgenberg, mentioning that Jay's brother Joel was a center with the Saints at the time, and their dad was also a center in the NFL, then Madden chymes in with a classic line in my opinion "they were the only kids in the neighborhood who played catch backwards." Or on a Payton carry where he was cut under by Bill Bates, who was in his third year in 1985 (didn't he just retire like a few weeks ago). On the replay Madden says " Payton was ready to deliver a load, and Bates got lower than the load to avoid being unloaded upon." What a trip.

The main thing I noticed about that game was how much the 1985 Bears looked like the 2005 Bears. The defense was incredible while the offense was, well they sucked. Granted the Bears didn't have McMahon this game and went with Steve Fuller. Late in the first quarter there was no score, and the Bears offense was yet to get a first down. Struggling against the likes of Randy White, Ed "Too Tall" Jones, and Jim Jeffcoat. Late in the first quarter Bears punter Maury Buford pinned the Cowboys on their own 2 yard line with a Brad Maynard like punt. On the first play the Cowboys tried to pass out of their own end zone and Dan Hampton batted the ball in the air like he thought he was Alex Brown or something. Richard Dent or Adewale Ogunleye caught the ball at the one and fell in the end zone for a defensive touchdown and a 7-0 lead.

After a Bears field goal, "LA" Mike Richardson intercepted a Danny White pass and ran it back for a touchdown. On that play Danny White was knocked out of the game with a concussion, on a crushing blow by number 55 Lance Briggs, or I guess it was number 55 Otis Wilson. The next series the Cowboys went with the great Survivor contestant Gary Hogeboom at QB. On his first pass attempt he was intercepted by Leslie Frazier. I guess that's why Hogebom had to resort to making money on Survivor to get by, because his quarterbacking ability left alot to be desired. The Bears got another touchdown with the help of a crushing block by the Fridge for a 24-0 lead at half.

Nowadays a concussion and you are done for a few weeks, but Danny White was pretty resilient starting the second half and he lasted almost 3 or 4 plays before Wilber Marshall knocked him out of the game again with another Urlacher type shot to the chops. Hogeboom comes back in the game and picks up where he left off by finding a wide open Gary Fencik. The Bears got down to the 1 yard line but had to settle for a field goal after being penalized 10 yards for the Fridge picking Payton up and trying to carry him in the end zone.

I was waxing nostalgic about this whole experience. Like seeing Ron Rivera playing special teams, or Jeff Fisher on the sidelines coaching the DB's. Mostly though for personal reasons, you see in 1984 the Bears played the Cowboys and lost and Madden and Summerall talked alot about that game from the year earlier. What's so big about that game, well the day the Bears played the Cowboys in 1984 was the day that my grandpa (my dads dad) passed away so we thought alot about him. Also from watching the game Walter Payton was clearly the most conditioned athlete on the field, as he probably was in every game he played in. To think that the most conditioned athlete on the field passed away so young was pretty shocking.

It was alot of fun watching that game. I was 10 years old in 1985 and today I am 30 years old, where in the world did 20 years go?

2005-12-24T10:31:00.000-06:00

Prior for Tejada?

From the Baltimore Sun:

According to team and industry sources, the most serious discussions the Orioles are having about Tejada appear to be with the Chicago Cubs, who are dangling a package that includes standout right-handed pitcher Mark Prior... According to two industry sources, there was some preliminary discussion between the Orioles, Cubs and Oakland Athletics on a three-way deal that included Tejada, Bedard, Prior and Oakland ace Barry Zito among others heading to new homes.

The only way I would be at peace with this trade is if the Cubs trade Prior, Patterson, and possibly a medium prospect (not Pie) or money for Tejada and Zito. I can't possibly see that happening.

2005-12-22T12:51:00.000-06:00

WHAT A TRAGEDY...

I heard this morning about James Dungy, the son of Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy being found dead in his apartment early this morning and to say I was shocked would be the understatement of the year. Two lessons to learn from this...

1) I once wore a t-shirt that stated "Football is life, the rest is just details." Nothing could be further from the truth. Life is so much more than football, baseball, a job, anything. Life is loving God with all your heart, and serving others.

2) Life is short, none of us are promised tomorrow, were not even promised the rest of today. 18 years old and this kid, still a teenager, and his life was cut short. The Bible says in Hebrews that "it is appointed for man to die once" . You see our time has been set, or appointed before time began, and no one knows when their time is up. The real thing to worry about is the rest of that verse "and then comes the judgment." The message to learn from this is I do not know when my time is up, am I ready for the judgment that comes afterwards?

I myself am 100% sure that I am ready to face the judgment that is imminent in my life. Not because I am perfect, far from it, I am ready because I have a personal relationship with the One who is. The One who paid the penalty for my imperfections (the candy coated, PC word for sin). The One who paid the penalty for my sin, is none other than Jesus, who is my Savior. I pray that you too would enjoy that personal relationship with Him. You too can be sure of what will happen when you face your "judgment".

Everything that I have ever heard about Tony Dungy is that he is a man of devout faith, and a dedicated family man, and I lift him and his family up in prayer. For peace and comfort, and a double portion of the grace and love of God. I pray for faith in the wisdom of God in his life, to know that God's plans sometimes are tough at first sight, but for him to know that "all things do work together for good to those that love God and are called according to His purpose." God is in control of his life, and as ridiculous as it seems now, this will all work out for the best because God promises, and that is set in stone.

2005-12-21T10:48:00.000-06:00

FROM THE RED STATES

Well I imagine the STL Police Dept. is now placed on a high state of alert because the St. Louis Cardinals just signed Sidney Ponson to a 1 year incentive based contract. Ponson, who was just released from jail about a week ago now finds himself in a Cardinal uniform.

I have mixed feelings on this deal. On one hand Ponson has tremendous upside, alot of talent , and if we get the Ponson of 2003 then this would be a tremendous signing for the Cards. However, Ponson has a history of not being able to stay away from the booze. He's had several DUI's and was just released from jail for punching a federal judge. This is a huge gamble for Walt Jocketty, especially if he is now planning on trading Jason Marquis for a much needed outfielder, that means we are counting on Dave Duncan and his magical pitching dust to resurrect the pitching career of Ponson the way he has done for the likes of Chris Carpenter, Daryl Kile, Kent Bottenfield, Dave Stewart, and Bob Welch from years past.

The Cardinals have a long history of taking guys with a troubled past and turning their careers around. Jim Edmonds was considered a problem child in Anaheim, Scott Rolen was productive in Philly, but also had a reputation as a trouble maker. Even going as far back as George Hendrick in the early 80's. This is a low risk signing, only giving him a one year deal, laced with incentives so if Ponson goes off the deep end then were not really out too much. But if he realizes that his career is on the line and pitches up to his talent level then a big contract is a year away, but if he bottoms out then this time next year he might be coaching the Bad News Bears.

I think it is a safe gamble with the professionalism of this team with the likes of Pujols, Edmonds, Rolen, Carpenter, and Suppan that Ponson will fall in line. With our defense and the new ballpark which from the sounds of it will be a pichers paradise, Ponson could have a big year in St. Louis.

We might be looking back on this deal as another one of those little deals that make Jocketty one of the best in the business. We better, especially if we trade Marquis for an outfielder because if that happens we go from just taking a chance on Ponson to needing him as our 5th starter. Then if Anthony Reyes is not as good as advertised and combine that with a drunken, beligerant Ponson, than 40% of our rotation is screwed, as well as our 2006 season.

2005-12-20T20:43:00.000-06:00

That sound you just heard...

was the sound of the Cubs 2006 season flushing down the toilet. You see, the Cubs just inked Jacque Jones to a 3-year deal:

MINNEAPOLIS -- Minnesota Twins right fielder Jacque Jones declined arbitration with the club, then agreed to a deal to play for the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday.

Jones' agent, Dan Lozano, said the Twins were only offering a one-year deal and that his client has several multi-year offers on the table. Jones accepted a deal with the Cubs for three years, but financial terms were not disclosed.

The Twins offered arbitration so they would be assured a 2006 first-round draft pick when the 30-year-old outfielder signed with another team. Jones made $5 million last season, but almost assuredly would have received a raise had he accepted the offer.

Jones was drafted by the Twins in 1996 and broke into the majors in 1999. He led the team with 23 home runs last season and hit .249 with 73 RBI.

Why are prospects for next season swirling down the johnny as a result of this signing?

Because it signals most of all that Jim Hendry just doesn't understand the extent of the problems with this team as it is currently constructed and managed.

This is not a team on the cusp of playoff contention in need only of minor improvement (and it is arguable how much improvement [if any] Jones provides over the underwhelming Jeromy Burnitz).

This is a team that is deeply flawed - and deeply flawed on a number of levels. It is especially flawed in terms of offense (or lack thereof) - but it is also a team that has a very questionable starting rotation. That's never a good combination. It's certainly not a team that will contend.

Here's the bottom line - Jacque Jones isn't the answer to what proved to be an absolutely horrendous (from an offensive standpoint) OF last year. The offensive production was downright offensive last year, if you get what I mean. And Jones isn't going to substantially improve things.

In fact you can write this down - because it comes from a baseball realist - this team as presently constructed will struggle to finish third in the division next year (and that's assuming no injuries).

You don't like that prognosis? Go over to fantasy land and get your fix of continually deferred hope. For my part, I don't deal in fantasy - only reality - and sometimes it really does bite folks.

I suspect that Jim will tell us in the near future just how "satisfied" he is with the team as presently constructed. Just like last year in fact. He was satisfied with what he had then - in fact he was pretty sure the club could "survive" when Wood, Williamson, and Garciaparra returned in early August. And that turned out splendidly as we all know.

And to be honest, I don't know why he wouldn't be "satisfied."

After all, who isn't satisfied with fourth place in the division!

2005-12-20T14:35:00.000-06:00

IT'S QUIET . . . TOO QUIET

With all of the Cubs news being Nomar to the Dodgers (They're now the team to beat in the NL West), I'm wondering what Hendry might place in Dusty's Christmas stocking (If Dusty isn't using them underneath his hunting boots).

"No thanks, I'll take the coal" -

Jose Macias: A minor league contract and invitation to Spring training.

Jacque Jones: Put up lines of .254/.315/.427 and .249/.319/.438 the last 2 years. A RF who might give Patterson a run for his money in the K department (OK, maybe not quit, but too many). But he plays great D. Then again, so does Corey.

Jeromy Burnitz: Treading water . . . or drowning. An improvement over Jones in the power department and OBP, however. Plus, ya gotta love the old school socks.

"Not Quite an Xbox360" -

Starting Pitching: There is still some SP available via free agency--go get you some Jim. I'm not very confident about health or performance. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have too much starting pitching? But, don't spend next year's Christmas budget overpaying like Toronto did.

Jose Vidro: It seems Walker isn't wanted anymore. Although I think his left-handed offense would be great at the number 2 spot in the order (with Cedano at SS), Vidro would be a fine replacement if the Nats move Vidro so that Soriano can play second base. Hopefully, Vidro's knee problems are a thing of the past.

Soriano: Alfonso isn't happy about suggestions of him playing LF or being in the NL . Not likely to be a Cub, however.

"Better than a Christmas Goose" -

Starting Pitching to trade for a SS (Tejada) or quality RF (Abreu, Huff): If the Cubs do sign a SP and end up paying too much, maybe he could be used as bait with either the Rays, O's, or Phils (see next entry).

Huff, Tejada, Abreu: Nothing further to be said.

I'm off to Chicago tomorrow to see the relatives and to help my son make his first snowman, among other things. I wish everyone a wonderful Christmas, celebrating the birth of the Savior.

" . . . behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, 'Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 'She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.' Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 'BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL,' which translated means, 'GOD WITH US.'" (Matthew 1: 20-23, NASB)

2005-12-20T01:11:00.000-06:00

THE BEARS WITH AN OFFENSE?

One day a few years ago, I got to work and I did the same thing I do every morning when I get to work, grab a cup of coffee and open my newspaper to the Sports Page. This day was a little different than most because the Bears had hired a new coach. I was reading an article by Mike Nadel, bashing Jerry Angelo for screwing up the hiring of Nick Saban and settling for some stiff from the Rams, Lovie Smith. The Defensive Coordinator from the Rams, the Rams are known for their offense, "who in the hell is Lovie Smith" I thought to myself. "What kind a sissy goes by Lovie?" I could only think of Thurston Howell III from Gilligan's Island and how he used to call his wife Lovie all the time.

Well I have been pretty outspoken on my disdain for Bears GM Jerry Angelo, especially on this blog. In fact I have stated that I thought that the Bears would never win anything until this guy is fired. Now, I am not hopping on the Jerry Angelo bandwagon, but I am jumping full force on the Lovie Smith bandwagon, this guy is a really good coach. I give credit where it is due, and Angelo got this one right. Hey, even a broken clock is right twice a day.

There are some things I dislike about Lovie, chief of which is his overly passive demeanor on the sidelines. He reminds too much of Dick Jauron "the way out." When I say overly passive, here's what I mean - it seems he has the same demeanor whether we are winning by 30 or losing by 30. We suffered through the Bobby Wade punt return fiasco all season, and I like to imagine what Ditka would have done to Mr. Wade in that situation. In fact, I wish Lovie was more like Ditka in that regard. Now I give Lovie credit, he eventually did send Wade packing but geez it took bout 6 weeks too long. I would have loved to see Ditka run out on the field and beat the snot out of Wade, after the 5th or 6th time he fielded a punt on our own 2 yard line.

I hopped fully onto the Lovie bandwagon when he put Rex Grossman into the game last night. Now if some readers will recall I was calling for Lovie to just go with Orton when Rex got hurt in the pre season, and he did. It is clear though that when he is healthy, Grossman is the better QB, and he gives the Bears an added dimension on offense. You know, there is actually now a threat that we might throw the ball more than 5 yards down the field and might actually complete one or two of these passes a game. We have an offense!!!

Now granted, I preface this by saying that we are not the Colts, and we are not capable of putting up 30 or 40 to outscore a team. We don't have to be though. Nevertheless, I don't think it is too much too ask for 1 touchdown a half. 1 TD a half - that's not too much to ask, and I think we are capable of that with Grossman in the game. That's 14 points a game. Now I figure the D is good enough to get us a couple field goals via a turnover or two. We have an offense that is capable of converting on third down every once in awhile to extend drives and give the D a little rest. How great would this D have been this year with the help of even a pathetic offense? 17 points a game is now a reasonable goal, and any game we get 17 points, I will take my chances with our defense.

The question is - Rex Glassman has never made more than 3 starts without getting hurt, so it wouldn't surprise me if we go into the playoffs, again with Kyle Orton under center. What does this benching do to his confidence? Well I agree with Lovie and say screw it, go with the guy that gives us the best chance to win, and if Orton can't handle a little adversity, then he will probably not last long in the NFL anyway.

The Bears were winning last night when the change was made, winning in much the same way we have been winning all year, in spite of our offense. I think Lovie realized that we have a Super Bowl D, and with just a little offense we can win this thing. He threw caution to the wind and went for it. That's what I love most about Lovie Smith, he's got stones the size of Texas.

2005-12-14T11:10:00.000-06:00

Interesting Review of Cubs blogs...

This happened over a week ago, but in case you missed it, Kurt over at Cub Fan Nation has posted an interesting review of many of the Cubs blogs, and this little minnow of a Cubs blog actually received attention:

The Peoria Northsider Report - An interesting blog that gets overlooked. These guys are insightful, analytical, and colorful (in more ways than one), but, as much as I hate to say it, their blog looks kind of dull. I wish they would put together a few bucks, buy a domain, and design their own site. Looks aren't everything, but I believe they help.

We are small potatoes in the Cubs blog world - no doubt about it. We receive probably 1/20th of the daily traffic that a site like Chuck Gitle's Ivy Chat gets - and probably 1/40th of the daily traffic of the eternal optimist. We’re content with that – nothing earth shattering going on here except a few friends exchanging friendly barbs back-and-forth. We’ll leave the really insightful stuff to the whales of the Cubs blogosphere.

By the way, Kurt's review of The Cub Reporter expressed my own sentiments exactly:

The Cub Reporter - This site remains the most popular (and I believe it continues to grow in that regard), but I rarely read it anymore. I feel like it has lost its' personality. Also, to be honest, I remain a little offended that they cut other Cubs blogs from their links. It's one thing to cut the inactive sites, it's another thing to discard the others for reasons I can only assume are "snotty." So, these days, the Cub Reporter is not a must read. In fact, I think it sort of sucks. (Don't get me wrong, guys. I still think the Cub Reporter is better than CFN or GROTA. But it's not at the same level it used to be.)

I especially agree with the sort of sucks part.

Daily must reads for me are (in order of importance): 1) Desipio (this guy is one of the funniest cats around); 2) Ivy Chat (Chuck, I don’t think you belong in a sewer, although Kurt’s comments had me laughing for a while :-); 3) Bleed Cubbie Blue; 4) 1060 West; 5) Cub Fan Nation (our new best friend); and 6) the aggregator over at SportsBlogs.

2005-12-10T23:59:00.000-06:00

Tejada isn't coming to the Cubs...

As much as I would like to see Tejada as a Cub, I just don't think it's going to happen. To begin with, Baltimore hasn't given any indication that they're at all inclined to trade him. All we know is that Miggy wants a trade. Big deal. Manny Ramirez has wanted a trade for the last three seasons and as of this writing, at least, he's still with the Red Sox.

And that brings me to the second point. I've heard repeatedly from folks in the blogosphere that the O's would never trade Tejada within their own division. But would they really be so hesitant to trade Tejada to a divisional rival if they received a comparable talent in return? Would they be so hesitant to trade Tejada, say, if they received Manny Ramirez in return? I don't think they'd be hesitant to make that move at all. Nor do I think the Red Sox would be hesitant to trade their own superstar to a divisional rival either.

In fact, news reports out of Boston indicate that the Red Sox have, in fact, made the offer to trade Ramirez to their divisional rival for Tejada:

The Red Sox called the Orioles yesterday and offered Manny Ramirez for shortstop Miguel Tejada, according to an American League source. However, it is way too early to know if the Red Sox or any other team will be able to pry the disgruntled superstar from Baltimore.

The Red SoxÂ call came a day after they created a vacancy at shortstop by trading Edgar Renteria to Atlanta, a transaction followed shortly by TejadaÂs announcement that he wanted to be traded from the Orioles because of their dim future.

Tejada also informed a source close to him that he welcomed a trade to the Red Sox, who have been trying to deal their own disenchanted superstar, Ramirez, since the season ended. With Tejada having four years and approximately $49 million remaining on his deal and Ramirez with three years and $57 million left, the stage would seem to be set for an epic swap.

ÂThe Orioles will explore trading for Ramirez,Â the source said. ÂItÂs a logical move to make, but I donÂt know how likely it is right now.Â

The source indicated the Orioles would need the Sox to throw in a starter or reliever before the deal could be considered more seriously. Multiple teams contacted the Orioles yesterday and presented enough intriguing offers that even the prospect of Ramirez launching home runs at Camden Yards did not stand out.

ÂSome of the other teams match up as well as the Red Sox, which is why it doesnÂt look likely,Â said the source.

The only obstacle, in fact, that I would see, would be Manny - who may not want to play for the O's any more than Miggy does.

For Miggy to come to the Cubs, 1) the O's will have to indicate a willingness to trade him, 2) he will have to agree to a trade to the Cubs (and by all accounts he seems most interested in playing for the Red Sox), and 3) Hendry will have to put together a deal that the O's can't refuse.

I just don't see it happening.

2005-12-09T11:49:00.000-06:00

The Communist Organization that is the St. Louis Cardinals...

I guess it would be safe to say that I am not too happy with the way this off season is going. In light of winning the division 5 out of the past 6 years, and drawing 3 million year after year, culminating in a record breaking 3.5 million last season (and they're looking to break that # this year in light of the new stadium). So what does this organization do? Apparently not only maintain their current payroll - they appear to be cutting payroll.

A few years ago the owners of my team b@#$@ed and moaned about needing a new stadium to increase revenue, so they could afford to put that money back into fielding a winning team. So now that Busch Stadium is a pile of rubble, that appears to be what the team itself is, a pile rubble. This is treason at it's worst, bordering on fraud and illegal, at the very least highly unethical.

Apparently Walt Jocketty and these owners are adament about overthrowing the free market system. They refuse to exceed their budget to meet what the market demands. The refused to add the extra million a year to land Burnett, they refused to pay the extra million dollars a year to re-sign Grudz. They are standing strong in their budget philosophy, regaurdless of what the free market dictates. They would rather field a 3rd or 4th place team than get involved in the spending that the free market establishes. You slice it up any way you want and that my friends is Communism at its best.

Now I am not saying we should be the Yankees or anything, but come on, a million dollars could have landed us the prized free agent pitcher on the market. Another million and we could have kept Grudzie, now we're looking at Aaron Miles as our starting second baseman - Aaron "freaking" Miles. Wasn't he the point guard for Kansas a few years back? All because they refuse to get involved in the free market. What do I call it? Communism my friends. Plain and simple, it's Communism that would make the likes of Joseph Stalin, and Fidel Castro proud.

The St. Louis Cardinals have become a Communist organization.

2005-12-08T20:35:00.000-06:00

We May Have Found Our Shortstop...

Miguel Tejada wants to be traded, and the Cubs need a shortstop. He's got four years left on his contract, although he's due $56 million over that period - which is slightly more than what the Cubs were reportedly offering Furcal.

My fear is that we will end up seeing a Manny-for-Tejada deal (recall that the Sox already shipped Renteria). In any event, perhaps losing Furcal wasn't that bad after all - if Hendry can work this one out:

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic -- Baltimore Orioles shortstop Miguel Tejada said Thursday he's unhappy with the team's direction and wants to be traded.

"I've been with the Orioles for two years and things haven't gone in the direction that we were expecting, so I think the best thing will be a change of scenery," Tejada told The Associated Press during a telephone interview in his native Dominican Republic.

Tejada signed a $72 million, six-year contract with the Orioles before the 2004 season.

He hit .304 with 26 home runs and 98 RBI this year, but Baltimore finished 21 games behind the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox in the AL East.

"I've done many things with this team and I haven't seen results, and the other teams are getting stronger while the Orioles have not made any signings to strengthen the club," said Tejada, the 2002 AL MVP while with Oakland.

Wouldn't it be something if the Hendry pulled this one off?

This would go a long way toward bolstering this team's chances next year.

2005-12-07T09:02:00.000-06:00

Pierre to Cubs

It looks like it's official:

DALLAS -- The Chicago Cubs are expected to land their leadoff man Wednesday, according to a high-ranking baseball official. The Cubs, who lost in the bidding for free agent Rafael Furcal, reached agreement with the Florida Marlins late Tuesday on a trade that would reportedly net Chicago center fielder Juan Pierre in exchange for a package that includes Double-A pitching prospects Ricky Nolasco and Renyel Pinto. Cubs.com

2005-12-06T09:38:00.000-06:00

What Will It Take to Get Bobby Abreu to the Cubs?

In light of this story, it seems they don't have any lack of ambition:

According to National League sources at the winter meetings here, the Cubs asked the Phillies yesterday what it would take to pry away two-time All-Star rightfielder, Gold Glove winner and reigning Home Run Derby champion Bobby Abreu.

The answer: Mark Prior.

The Cubs didn't say yes.

But they didn't say no, either; at least, they haven't so far.

Keep dreaming Phillies fans.

That story also goes on to discuss the potential for a more reasonable trade:

If the Prior deal doesn't work out, the Phillies might try one that includes Abreu and Cubs workman starter Jerome Williams - but with serious sweeteners that could include lefty prospect Rich Hill, 25. Hill's status could be shifting from untouchable to movable. He went 11-4 with a 3.31 ERA and 194 strikeouts in 130 2/3 minor league innings last season, though he was 0-2 with a 9.13 ERA in 10 big-league appearances.

I could live with a trade like that. The outfield is (and has been) the #1 concern in terms of offensive production. In fact the offensive production of the Cubs outfield was downright offensive, if you get what I mean.

If this organization doesn't seriously address that substantial problem - you are going to be looking at another 4th place finish in the division Cubs fans.

Also (and I could be wrong about this, of course), I think the Cubs should rethink their position on Garciaparra - especially after the Furcal disaster.

Yes it's risky - but if the risk pays off and he does stay healthy (that injury last season was freaky) he would be a fine hitter to have in that lineup.

The Yankees are apparently a possible destination for Nomar.

Why not? They've already got 2 all-star ss's on their lineup. Maybe Cashman can work toward fielding an all ss team - remember that Izturis will probably be available sometime early next season as well in light of the Furcal signing.

On another note, the Phillies are not going to offer arbitration to Kenny Lofton. The Cubs ought to take a flyer on him - I think it's low risk and he hit very well last season. I think he's still got some gas left in him - and I still have memories of 2003 whirling around in my head I guess.

And by the way, while I'm at it - Jim Hendry needs to go to the Omar Minaya school of general management, because this is second straight season he has been out-general-managed (I think I just invented that word - sounds cool though huh?) by the Mets GM.

The Mets have steadily built a playoff contending team while Hendry has let the Cubs stagnate. This is shaping up to be another sorely disappointing offseason folks.

2005-12-06T09:15:00.000-06:00

MY CONSPIRACY THEORIES ABOUT THE BURNETT SIGNING

Ok, I love the St. Louis Cardinals, but I will say this...if you want a good laugh you should go over to the Cardinals message board and read some of the posts over there. You will hear everything from "I have a source inside the organization" or my personal favorite, "I have a buddy, that saw AJ Burnett last night at St. Louis' Lambert International Airport."

While I certainly agree with the reputation we Cardinals fans have, as the best fans in baseball, the Cardinals message board here lately certainly proves that we are not above (how do I say this?) spreading a little fertilizer around. There, is that PC enough? So here is my theory on this whole deal, because frankly I'm getting sick of waiting. First I preface this by saying, I do not have a college buddy, who's brother's ex-wife's cousin is a secretary in the Cardinals organization (you may laugh, but some dude used that one a few days ago). This is just my theory, so take it for what it's worth...

A few things we know for sure, 1) AJ Burnett grew up in Arkansas as a die hard member of Cardinal Nation, 2)AJ's wife does not like airplanes (I can't blame her on that one) so therefore does not like to travel and wants to remain close to home, 3) although I'm not positive I'm fairly certain that AJ does not want to play where the distances marked on the outfield walls are written in meters instead of feet, 4) AJ's agent Daniel Braunecker, is new to the agent business and AJ Burnett is his first real big name client.

So I have taken all this information (that I know for sure) and established my personal theory that AJ's agent is trying to make a name for himself in the agent business and he is trying to establish himslef as a guy that can get big contracts for any player - a Scott Boras wannabe if you will, and he is delaying the signing, trying to drive the offer up from the team AJ really wants to play for (the Cardinals) by putting them in a bidding war with at least two other teams (the Natinals and the Blue Jays). In the past few days we have also heard the Cubs and the Angels as possible suitors for Burnett.

Where Braunecker is failing, is if he is going to do that (which I suppose is an agents job) he should at least get a couple of teams that have as much to offer as the Cardinals. I would be concerned if we were bidding against the Yankees or the Red Sox , or any team that can offer what the Blue Jays can't, and that is the opportunity to pitch on the biggest stage in baseball, and that is the playoffs and the World Series. You see it is highly unlikely that in his 5 years in Washington or Totonto that he will ever get a shot to pitch in the playoffs where with the Cardinals it is certainly no gaurantee, but far more likely given that the Cardinals have been in the post season 5 out of the past 6 years, and are not in the same division as the Yankees and the Red Sox, or the Braves in the case of the Nats.

Supposedly the Blue Jays have offered a guaranteed 5 years and 50 million, which I tend to believe since they just gave BJ Ryan a million dollars per career save, to be their new closer, so I would say it is a safe bet to say that they would also offer AJ a million dollars per career win. The Cardinals are appearing to be standing firm on their 4 year 40 million dollar offer, with a option for a 5th year. It appears Walt Jocketty is calling Braunecker's bluff, and for that I applaud him. It's about time some GM's stood up to these players and agents. Some of these contracts are just ridiculous because the MLB players have too much power. So I agree with Walt and say fine if you want the 5th year guaranteed, and a few extra bucks to go pitch in basbeall purgatory, then fine chump, I hope you enjoy Canada.

2005-12-06T09:11:00.000-06:00

More White Sox Shenanigans

URBANA, Ill. -- Rare copies of a sports newspaper that was credited with uncovering the infamous 1919 Chicago White Sox gambling scandal are missing from a University of Illinois library.

ESPN story

2005-12-04T05:28:00.000-06:00

I DON'T BLAME HIM . . .

If the Dodgers are going to pay Furcal an average of over $13M per year for 3 years, I'd take it too, regardless of any stated affinity for winning (knowing how many big question marks the Dodgers have) and friends (Sorry, Andruw, Aramis, and Neifi).

But I do have mixed feelings if this is true. While I would like to have a good SS and leadoff hitter like Furcal in Wrigley, $13M per year is a little steep for what he brings to the table. But, on the other hand, it is only a 3 year commitment.

My sneaking suspicion is that Dusty and Neifi conspired to sabotage this deal so that Neifi would get the starting SS job he so richly deserves . . .

2005-12-03T20:37:00.000-06:00

MAYBE BRUCE WEBER CAN RECRUIT?

Well some excellent news for everyone here on the Northsidereport, except for Mike, but the Illini have landed a verbal commitment from the 4th ranked H.S. player in this years junior class. Not to mention what the backlash of this signing might do. Heres the quote from Scout.com...

"Eric Gordon, the 6-3 shooting guard, of North Central High School, in Indianapolis, Indiana rejected offers from the likes of Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, and Arizona, and on Friday gave Bruce Weber and the Illini a verbal commitment to attend the University of Illinois. The junior, is the 4th ranked player in the class of 2007, and is Illinois' highest ranked recruit since landing Marcus Liberty in 1988. "

"My first priotiy is Derek Rose", Gordon said at his news conference to announce his decision. Derek Rose the 6-2 point guard from Chicago Simeon High School, is the top ranked point guard in the class of '07, and the 7th ranked player nationally. Teammates on their AAU team that won two championships in Las Vegas, and Texas, Rose and Gordon are close friends and it has long been rumored that both would attend the same school. The long tradition of success at Illinois from Chicago Simeon players, and the signing of Gordon, gives Bruce Weber a leg up on signing Rose."

Well maybe I should take back what I siad about Bruce Weber's recruiting ability. There was never any doubt about Weber's coaching ability X's and O's wise, the question was could he recruit. Certainly his failure to land Jon Scheyer, when he is being coached by his own brother did nothing to enhance his recruiting reputation. This deal though could be huge.

It looks like the season we had last year is starting to pay off. Thinking about it, most of the players we got signed now were recruited before last seasons success. This is the first recruiting season since our run last year, and it is off to a great start, and will be even better if this Gordon kid can get his buddy Derek Rose to join him in Illini orange. That would be two of the top 10 in this years junior class, that would be huge. A great backcourt for a few years to come. I would like to say 4, but if these kids are that good, it would seem unlikely to have them both for 4 years.

You know what they say, "once you go orange, you never go back."

2005-12-02T16:18:00.000-06:00

When will the madness cease?!

Please tell me that the Yankees didn't just agree to pay Tightpants $17 million over three years.

Please tell me that the Rangers didn't offer an even bigger $21 million contract over the same time period that Tightpants turned down.

Tightpants is getting paid over $5 million per?

Am I the only one baffled by this?

It appears that Howry and Eyre were bargains in light of this type of insanity.

2005-12-02T12:06:00.000-06:00

FROM THE RED STATES

I am going to say this right here, and right now, and quote me on this, Walt Jocketty better know what the H-E-double hockey sticks he is doing with this offer to A.J. Burnett. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported yesterday, and confirmed by Tony LaRussa, that my beloved Cardinals have offered Burnett 4 years, with an option for a 5th year, and 41 million dollars, and could grow to over 50 million should the option be exercised. 50 million dollars for a guy who won 12 games for the Marlins and is a career .500 pitcher. It's not like Burnett won 12 games for the pathetic Royals, or Pirates-no he won just 12 games for a pretty good Marlins team. The same team that saw Dontrelle Willis win 22. Not to mention the injury concerns with Burnett.

Granted Burnett has tremendous potential, and arguably the best arm in baseball, and 10 million per season would be bargain basement should the guy ever reach his potential. I though, think we just offered 10 million per season to Kerry Wood.

If Burnett agrees to terms with the Cardinals and the rumors are true that that makes Marquis expendable and opens the door for this reported Marquis, King, and a prospect for Bobby Abreu then I think it would be a good deal. As long as the prospect in question is not Anthony Reyes. However, if we sign Burnett, then are unable to unload Marquis for an outfielder from somebody, then were stuck financially and could be looking at Taguchi and Rodriguez as are starting left and right fielder.

It's a gamble and could pay huge dividends, but could also really screw this franchise for the next 5 years. We already got huge commitments to Rolen, and Pujols. Not to mention what this contract could do to the Mulder contract that is imminent, next off season.

I got to trust Jocketty, who is one of the best and assume he has all this worked out in advance of the offer to Burnett. He better.

2005-12-01T14:29:00.000-06:00

Aubrey Huff in RF?

The Cubs just completed one trade and are possibly on the verge of a 2nd - they sent Jermaine Van Buren to Boston for a player to be named later, and they also are apparently entertaining offers from the Rockies about Todd Wellemeyer.

Are these precursors to an eventual trade which ships the PTBNL's to Tampa for Aubrey Huff in Right Field? Tampa knows they can't afford Huff next year - and perhaps they get to take their pick with regard to some young prospects among the ptbnl's.

I suppose hoping for Manny to be involved rather than Huff is just a little too much?

In any event, there are 2 large gaping holes in the corner OF spots and either type of move (but especially the latter) would certainly make a significant difference.

Stay tuned.

HT to the astute baseball moonbat for the news items concerning Wellemeyer and Van Buren.

2005-12-01T08:16:00.000-06:00

PUT UP OR SHUT UP TIME FOR BEAR FANS ON THE NORTHSIDEREPORT...

Most of our readers might recall that I predicted before the football season that I thought our Bears might go 8-8. Might, meaning that I thought that would be the best we could hope for. Well here we sit, 11 games into the season and we are 8-3. One need to look no further than my NCAA Tournament Pool picks of the past few seasons to understand my lack of skill in handicapping sports. After all 3 of my 4 Final Four picks did not last through the first weekend last year (Kansas, Georgia Tech, and Syracuse) and 2 didn't even make it out of the first round (Kansas and Syracuse). So my NCAA bracket was pretty much worthless after the first two days of games, unless of course I ran out of toilet paper or something.

Then of course you might remember that I predicted my man, reinging NL MVP Albert Pujols to beat Derrek Lee in all 3 of the Triple Crown stats, so much for that prediction. By the way the pictures of me in the Cub hat have been taken, so don't blame me for them not appearing on the Northsidereport.

One would think, that with my lack of skill in predicting sports I would learn to just shut up. It seems though that I, like the Apostle Peter, have a knack for opening my mouth and inserting my foot. Maybe I should just learn to shut up about predicting sports and just stick to doing what I do best, and that's predicting the sex of newborn babies. It seems I do have a skill ofor doing that since all of my friends and family who were expecting a baby, and to this day I have never guessed wrong. My friend and fellow poster Chris will attest to this ability, since I successfully predicted his latest child to be a boy. Not such a great skill I reckon, since in every case I have a 50-50 shot.

It's difficult for me to not predict the outcome of sports, so when the football season rolled around, I couldn't resist. You might recall I predicted the Bears to start fast with an easy schedule early on and then struggle in the middle and late part of the season. So what actually happened, of course the Bears started out 1-3, so much for the great start. They now, however have won 7 games in a row, so much for struggling in the middle and late part of the season. With all that being said, the Bears could still finish 8-8. Of course in order to do that they would have to lose every game the rest of the season, which would not surprise me one bit, considering this is the Bears we are talking about.

So, what's the point of this post, you ask? Well simply put, since I atleast have the guts to climb out on the limb, I'm challenging my fellow posters and our readers, who might be Bears fans to cowboy up and join me out on the limb, with this question...can the 2005 Bears win the Super Bowl with this team as it stands right now? So if you got a pair of cajones anywhere near as big as the dude Chris posted about that was tazoerd in the groin, and kept fighting, then I'm challenging you to respond to this post and make a prediction, on the record, and we will see just how many Jimmy the Greek's we have here at the Northsidereport.

So since I posted the question, it would only be fair for me to be the first to answer that very question. Can these Bears win the Super Bowl this year?

There are a few things I would like to establish before I predict. First of all, I am from the old school, as I think that the old saying "offense sells tickets, and defense wins championships". It is clear that the best defense in the NFL is our beloved Bears. Heres a few stats to back this up. The Bears rank first in the league in (this is not a typo, I did say first) ...

Total defense
Passing Defense
Scoring Defense
Passing Yards
3rd down efficiency %
Passing Td's
Rushing Td's
Red Zone Defense
Opponent's QB rating

Not too mention we rank second in rushing defense, other than that I am not to familiar with any other defensive statistic, but whatever stat you want to toss out there, I'm sure our Bears are at or near the top. It's clear, we have the best D in the game.

Many people have bashed the Bears offense this season, and rightfully so. They are pretty mediocre and to call them mediocre would be like pooring a gallon of perfume on a big pile of, well I'm sure you get the picture. We have a rookie QB, and no team with a rookie QB has ever managed to get to the Super Bowl, much less win the darn thing. We have no deep threat on offense. Muhsin Muhammad is good, but let's face it he is not exactly a threat to score when he touches the ball. We have no tight ends, atleast none that are worth a squat. What we do have, is a decent offensive line (shockingly) and a decent running game.

Add all this up, is it enough for the Bears to win the Super Bowl. Well recent history of the Super Bowl will say yes. The Baltimore Ravens in 2000, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2002, and even the New England Patriots in 2001 were all teams with excellent defenses and mediocre offenses. Remember in 2001 the Patriots had Tom Brady, but he was not Tom Brady, NFL MVP, he was just Tom Brady 7th round draft pick from Michigan. Also let's not forget the 1999 Tamp Bay Buccaneers, who had an suffocating defense, but were led by a rookie QB (Shaun King) and a decent running attack (sound familiar) and they were :43 seconds and a Ricky Proehl TD away from the Super Bowl.

Also. let's keep this in mind, the NFC is wide open this year, with no team really standing out as a dominant, unbeatable team. The Bears are in the hunt for not only the playoffs, but atleast a home game in the first round, or a bye week and a home game, heck they are just one game out of having home field advantage, with the Seahawks having to play Indianapolis still, the last game of the season. There is no offense in the NFC that I feel will be able to manage two TD's against our D, especially if we get to play in Soldier Field. One TD might be pushing it at home, knowing that in 6 home games we have given up just 5 TD's, and two of those were to a pretty good offense in Cincinnatti, but only after the offense turning the ball over 5 times on our own end of the field, did they manage to score. So I'm saying it, with this suffocating defense, and Kyle Orton managing the offense, these Bears are going to the Super Bowl.

Wait a minute, you say, the question was not can they get to the Super Bowl, but can they win it. Hang on, I'm not done yet...

It appears to be the Colts year. Peyton Manning and his boys appear to be clicking on all cylinders. An undefeated season is not out of the question, and maybe pretty likely that they will go undefeated. So I am predicting the Bears to match up with an undefeated 18-0, Indianpolis Colts in the Super Bowl. Like I said it appears to be the year for the Colts, and in a match up with the Bears they would probably be a 14-17 point favorite to win. However it appeared to be their year in 1969, and how did that work out for them? So I am predicting Kyle Orton guarantees a victory over the Colts in the week leading up to the game, then backs it up with 3 touchdown passes, and the Bears D with pressure from their 4 defensive lineman pound Peyton Manning into a bloody pulp, which leaves 7 guys back there to shut down the likes or Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne, and in the greatest upset since Broadway Joe Namath and the J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets, the Beras in the 20th Anniversary of the 1985 Bears, shock the world and upset the mighty Colts.

Ok there I said it, hopefully the same curse that plagued Kansas and Syracuse last year (that of ourse is the curse of Randy predicting them to win) will not stop our Beloved Bears. So who here has the cajones enough to join me out on the limb and predict, for the record, what the Bears will do.

2005-12-01T00:27:00.000-06:00

Giles off The Market - Re-signs with SD...

Brian Giles is officially off the free agent market having reached a preliminary agreement to resign with the Padres.

You've got to hand it to that Padre management though. Last week the team rejected a 3-year $25.5 million proposal from Giles' agent:

Late last week, it appeared that Giles would leave the Padres after the team rejected a three-year, $25.5 million proposal from his agent, Joe Bick.

You see, the team rejected that offer because they apparently wanted to offer him more money than he was originally requesting!

Right fielder Brian Giles reached a preliminary agreement Wednesday night to re-sign with his hometown San Diego Padres for $30 million over three years.

Brilliant!

2005-11-30T11:18:00.000-06:00

BIG10, SHMIG10

I've been pretty unhappy with the Big 10's performance in the ACC/Big 10 matchups the last few years also. According to wikipedia, at the time of this post, the ACC is 34 and 19 making the Big 10, of course, 19 and 34. Pitiful. The best performances are by the Dukies, who are 6-0, while Wake is 5-1 and N.C. St., Clemson, and Florida St. are all 4-2. Only the Tar Heels are under .500 in the ACC, thanks to the Illini's win last night.

Now Randy might know more about the Illini program and, I agree, with Randy that last night was a quality win for the Illini. But they're not going to do anything close to what they did last year.

UNC will prove to be a tough team in the ACC and the Big Dance come March and UofI handled them. After a draw during the 1st half, the Illini looked really good to start the 2nd half--with intense defensive pressure and good outside shooting with 3's by Randle, McBride and Smith. But when they went cold shooting from the outside--which is bound to happen at some point--UNC came storming back by getting the ball to Hansbrough inside and spotting up for a few 3's. But the Illini held fast in the Dean dome and won the game.

Illinois is pretty good again this year, but if Dee Brown continues to shoot poorly and they face teams that can beat them inside, they'll be in trouble. Plus, they're depending on less proven players while losing some important seniors, including some off the bench (Remember that without Ingram, they would have never been in the game against UNC last year). While they'll be good and might be undefeated before the conference schedule starts on 1/5, they won't get out of January without a conference loss or two. They just aren't the same team they were last year without Head and Williams. And the 15 point 2nd half comebacks are a thing of the past.

Oh, and here's a list of Big 10 records in the ACC-Big 10 Challenge:

MSU3-2*
Minnesota 3-3
Michigan 2-2 (a pox upon their house)
Indiana 2-2
Wisconsin 2-4
Illinois 2-4
Iowa 1-3
Purdue 1-3
Penn St. 1-3
Ohio St. 1-3
Northwestern 1-5

Pitiful.

*Would probably be 4-2 if the '01 game against Virginia wasn't called because of the floor conditions.

2005-11-30T09:40:00.000-06:00

FROM THE RED STATES

It appears that Walt Jocketty is very serious about acquiring AJ Burnett. There was an article on the Cardinals website about a trip Jocketty and LaRussa made to Florida to speak face to face with Burnett. According to mlbrumors.com the Cardinals and Blue Jays are the leading contenders to land the services of Burnett. Clearly the Jays have more money to throw at AJ, but the Cardinals main selling points are of course the opportunity to pitch for a strong World Series contender, and the opportunity for him to pitch for his favorite team growing up in Arkansas. The money would be more in Toronto, but another selling point in this whole deal is the extra taxes he would have to pay playing in Canada. The question remains though does he want a legit chance to win with his favorite team, or does he want more money? I am not too optimistic, we always seem to lose out to the almighty dollar. We shall see.

Predicting a move by Walt Jocketty is very difficult because sometimes I think he leaks information about his interest in certain players to cover up his real interest in going a totally different direction. Not to mention the fact that their success at signing free agents who have never played in St. Louis is not too good, atleast big name guys. Once we get them here though, most choose to stay and usually stay for less money (Pujols, Rolen, and McGwire to name a few), Edgar Renteria being the exception.

Another serious rumor has the Cardinals sending Jason Marquis, Anthony Reyes and a minor leaguer to the Phillies for Bobby Abreu. My prayer is there is some truth to this rumor. Although I would hate to see Reyes go because I think he has tremendous upside, the thought of having Abreu's .300 avg, 25-30 hr, and 30-40 stolen bases in the lineup in front of the reigning NL MVP Albert Pujols is very interesting. He would fit in great in RF and would look awesome in a Cardinal uniform, but I will believe it when I see it.

Other rumors include the same package of players to the Reds for Ken Griffey Jr. The Cardinals I guess feel that Griffey would thrive in a corner outfield spot and that it would be easier to stay healthy there. As I pray for the Abreu trade, I pray we don't go this route - that's all we need another aging over paid outfielder.

Jim Edmonds to the Yankees for Robinson Cano and Chien-Ming Wang, but we're already short two outfielders so why trade the only decent outfielder we already got? A list of minor leaugers to the Marlins for Luis Castillo. This trade rumor might have some legitimacy because of the Marlins fire sale so the Cardinals might be able to take advantage and pick up a much needed gold glove second baseman who can hit lead off, this would be a good move in my opinion.

All in all I think if we can convince Burnett to take less money and come to St. Louis, then that leaves Marquis expendable and we could package him and hopefully Adam Wainright instead of Reyes to the Phillies for Abreu, and then pull the trigger on the Castillo trade and that leaves the Cardinals looking pretty good to repeat as Central Division Champions for the 6th time in 7 years.

We shall see...

ON ANOTHER NOTE...

The Illini got a big win last night in their first true road test in Chapel Hill over the Tar Heels. I will grant Mike the point that we beat a very young UNC, but still very talented. I think by the end of the season the Tar Heels will be very good, and that win last night will look good on the resume come tournament time.

I must confess that that win last night was a sweet payback for the National Championship game last year. Although nothing makes up totally for losing the title game, it still was nice to beat them this year though. Mike may call me a homer but I truly feel that the better team lost last year. In the Champioship game we got diddly squat from Augustine and that was the difference in a close game. If we had just gotten Augustine's average 10 points and 8 or 9 boards that would have made the difference last April. If the National Champioship was decided by a 7 game series like the NBA, I think we win in 6 games, but unfortuantely for Illini Nation it is decided by one single game, and Augustine picked the biggest game of the year to play his worst. With all that we still were in a tie game with under a minute to go, and a Luther Head shot for the lead. We get anything from Augustine and we win, it didn't happen in April, but this ain't April and last night was a little sweet revenge.

Now we look to the rest of the non conference schedule and there is a possibility of being undefeated again when the Big 10 season starts. We have a tough road game at Oregon, Georgetown at home, Xavier in the United Center, and of course the Busch Braggin Rights game against Missouri which is always a tough game, as the tough challenges down the stretch in the non conference season. If we can handle these four games I like our chances of being undefeated when the Big 10 season starts with the hated Spartans coming to the Hall, but that don't mean jack because any team can be beaten on any given night.

I think we need to find a guard to handle the ball and let Dee Brown play the role he had last year. No one in college basketball can keep up with Dee Brown, and I mean no one. I think having him handle the ball is taking him out of his game. We need someone to handle the ball, like Deron Williams last year. Granted, we don't have a player as good as Williams, but at least handle the ball and let Dee run around and find open shots. I really think we are better inside this year than we were last year, and you match that with a decent ball handler and Dee Brown running around creating havoc, and it could be another special season for the Illini.

Now I hate to say this but it's time to pull for the Hoosiers and Fartans tonight because I'm getting sick of the ACC thinking they are the best conference, it's time for the Big 10 to win one of these challenges.

2005-11-25T18:11:00.000-06:00

SUZY KOLVER OR BONNIE BERNSTEIN...

I saw a poll on the Chicago Bears website and thought it would make for some interesting talk on the Northsidereport. The question asks, who do fans like more on the sidelines reporting football games Suzy Kolver or Bonnie Bernstein. The poll currently has Bonnie Bernstein ahead 64% to Suzy's 36%.

I for one am sick of having this PC garbage rammed down my throat and think they should have former HOF'ers reporting on the sidelines. Or at least people that have actually played the game and know what it's like to put on a jock strap or as Sam "Mayday" Malone said in Cheers, "knows what it's like to have a groin injury, guh-guh-groin injury." A flash back for any that might have been a Cheers fan from the 80's, like myself.

I know this might not be popular with the National Organization for Women, but hey I say the heck with 'em football is a mans sport. An overwhelming majority of football fans are men, I talk football with men, and 9 out of 10 women don't even know what a first down is, so ladies let us at least enjoy one thing for ourselves. Sure women can do any job that a man can do and in some cases better, but leave the football to the professionals. I don't know too many men that want to take part in shopping or getting your hair and nails done or any of the other stuff women like to do so leave the football to the men.

Yeah it's amazing I'm still single isn't it.

So since I am still single, I must confess there is a certain bit of attraction to a woman that loves football so against my better judgement I voted and I cast my vote for Suzy Kolver. Yeah I think Bonnie Bernstein is hotter, but Suzy knows the game more and looks like she would be more fun. Bonnie just looks like she is a hot chick to raise ratings but doesn't really know the game.

2005-11-25T17:04:00.000-06:00

DID OUR BEARS REALLY HIRE THIS GUY...

Well I have a 4 day weekend off from work so that leaves plenty of time for my little rants on the Northsidereport, which is fine because I enjoy it. You see, I love sports, definately more than the average person that would consider themselves a sports fan. Dare I even mention the word passionate, yes I will say it I am officially passionate about sports. When a person admits to being passionate about sports other people have this misconception or steretype of a couch potato. While I enjoy kicking back on the couch and watching a game, I do not consider myself a couch potato. What's funny to me is if someone is passionate about art or the ballet they are considered to be cultured, but a sports nut is condsidered to be a couch potato.

So with my free time this weekend I'm ready to talk some sports. Since Walt Jocketty is busy trying to convince the rest of the baseball world that he is actually interested in signing AJ Burnett, when we really know it is just his way of covering up his plan to go in a totally different direction. And since I see Illinois is losing at halftime to that solid Wichita St. program, let's talk Bear football.

Last night while watching the "backyard brawl" or the Pittsburgh/West Virginia game it was not hard to think back to the Dave Wannstedt era in Chicago. I started to ask myself did we really hire this guy? Especially when you see Wannstedt do things like he did last night. Last night his Pitt Panthers were 3rd down and about 20 yards, they threw the ball for a 16 yard completion and found themselves 4th down and 4 yards short of the 1st down. However on the play West Virginia was flagged for jumping offsides. I'm fairly certain in this situation most coaches accept the penalty, take the 3rd down over, have 3rd and 15 and try once again for the 1st down. However our good friend Wanny decides to decline the penalty, and take 4th and 4. So since Pitt was in the middle of the field I thought Wannstedt was going to go for it, although even if you considered this 4 down territory why do you still not take the penalty to get the 3rd down over again and try two plays to get the 15 yards needed for the 1st down? No, Wannstedt decides to decline the penalty, only to punt it away anyway. Which to me made absolutely no sense at all. Things like that prove to me beyond a shadow of a doubt that Wannstedt has no business as a head coach of a football team at any level.

I give the man some credit, he was an excellent defensive coordinator. There are many guys who have excelled as a coordinator but as a Head Coach stunk up the place (Mike Martz, Buddy Ryan) just to name a few.

Dave Wannstedt's main problem his entire career in Chicago was his lack of knowledge in the run game. On offense and stopping the run on defense. He had no concept of NFC Central football or smashmouth football. Most fans and football people consider football to be a game of passing and turnovers, nothing could be further from the truth. For example the Bears success this season, especially on defense, is built on their ability to run the ball fairly well, and to stop the run. Case in point, the Bears are still -2 in the all important turnover stat, or they have turned the ball over 2 more times on offense then they have gotten turnovers on defense, even with the best defense in the NFL.

I had a football coach in high school that taught me alot about the game and he taught me that football games are won and lost on the line of schrimmage. He used to tell us that the closer you line up to the football the more important you are to the outcome of the game. The O-lines ability to impose their will on the defense or the defensive lines ability to impose their will on the offense , who wins that battle, wins the game period. Sure passing stats get all the hype and recievers get to do their little dances in the end zone and get to be seen on Sportscenter, but the line is the key to winning football, and Dave Wannstedt to this day has failed to understand that. Case in point, in my senior year at Central we beat Metamora 63-0, and I remember the next day my dad was going over our stats in the paper and found out that we had like 47 rushes for 600 something yards and 0 passes for of course 0 yards. In other words we never threw the ball once that whole game. He started to make fun of us and I just said why would we throw the ball when we averaged 12 yards a carry or so. Sure this might have been just a high school game but the concept of football is still the same on any level. We dominated the line that night and dominated the game. Wannstedt never understood that.

Some say you can use the run to set up the pass, or vice versa, but the key is controlling the line and then you can do whatever you want to do, if you don't then you can't do jack.

That's the key to the Bears success this season. The O-line has played extremely well for the most point and they run the ball fairly well, and even with a rookie quaterback they are having success. Vasher, Urlacher and the boys get all the hype but they key to their defense is their ability to shut down the run and get pressure on the QB with their front four. That allows the likes of Vasher, Brown, and Urlacher to have the opportunity to make plays.

Clearly Lovie Smith understands what Dave Wannstedt never did, and it is paying off.

2005-11-25T16:57:00.000-06:00

Annual Turkeys of the Year

Mike Nadel hits it right on with this year's "Turkey of the Year Award". Three in the Cubbies brass share the "glory" this year. Check it out.........

http://www.pjstar.com/stories/112405/MIK_B87EL2R2.077.shtml

2005-11-24T13:54:00.000-06:00

MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY

Despite the events of last night, I refuse to let the actions of a couple of idiots with badges damper my spirits on this by far my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving Day. I am all about Thanksgiving Day. Christmas is ok, but in my humble opinion it pales in comparison to Thanksgiving. The only bad thing about Thanksgiving Day is that we are so ungrateful as a society that we pick 1 day out 365 days to be thankful, as if the other 364 days we are a bunch of ungrateful people. In my book, everyday should be Thanksgiving, and I'm not talking about the turkey and the football either.

I love God's Word-the Bible. It is the only book that is indeed "living and active", and if you are one who doubts that and thinks it is just some book written by a bunch of dudes like a 1000 years ago, well I pray for you that God would make Himself known to you through His Word as He has done in my life. I could share many a story from my life, where God has used His word as a living vessel to make Himself known to me. By far my favorite book in the Bible is the Apostle Paul's letter to the Philippians. Philippians is my favorite book in the Bible far and away, because the common theme we get from reading Philippians is to rejoice and be thankful, in all situations . We read verses like "Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice." Or "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with THANKSGIVING, present your requests to God, and the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

I have so much to be thankful for. Although I am single guy, I have a great family, parents who have been married for 31 years. A sister who I love, and two nephews who I doubt I could love anymore if they were my own sons. I am thankful that I live in a country where I can be free to read and study God's Word and talk about it openly in front of people without fear of persecution. Not everyone is so blessed, just ask those suffering persecution in the Sudan or many other nations where people are oppressed and persecuted for their faith. I am thankful for the many friends I have. A lot of people go through life without any true friends, and I have many, including my fellow posters on this blog, some I have never met, but consider them more than friends, but brothers in Christ.

Most of all, I am thankful for the fact that I no longer fear death, and no longer wonder what happens to me when I leave this life. You see God's Word tells us that we can know for sure if we have or don't have this precious gift of eternal life, and forgiveness of our sin. This may shock some of you to know, but I am by far an imperfect person, some of you may have noticed that by reading my post on this blog right after the Cardinals choke job against the Astros in the NLCS this year. I am however perfect in Gods eyes, who looks on me and does not notice my imperfection, but sees the blood of Jesus, who paid the price for my sin with his death on a cross. All for me, He died in my place, and He died in your place. He was perfect, the Bible says "God made Him who knew no sin, to be sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." Jesus was perfect and yet he died in my place, he took upon Himself the punishment of a criminals cross, that was meant for me and for you. I have found "this peace" that Paul talks about in Philippians and that peace comes from one place and one place only, contrary to what you hear from the world, we can only find it in one place. That place is through a personal relationship with Christ Jesus. That's it my friends. That's the secret to living a true peaceful life, a relationship with Jesus Christ. God manifested in the flesh, the living Son of God. I pray that you too might find this peace that I and so many others have found. It's not found in any other place. Some look everywhere but where it is trully found and sadly never find it. I pray that this Thanksgiving Day, would be the day where you find it.

2005-11-23T23:40:00.000-06:00

"HAPPY THANKSGIVING" FROM THE GUSTAPO...

I know Chris is probably going to jump me for saying this, but a few months ago I saw the movie Fahrenheit 9/11. To be quite honest, I thought the movie was all a bunch of BCS, woops I mean BS. However, there was a part of the movie dedicated to the Patriot Act, and after my experience tonight, I believe every word Michael Moore has to say about this suposed Act that protects our freedom. So in this the season to give thanks let me be the first to say how thankful I am for the Patriot Act. Now that I have removed my tounge from my cheek, I will tell what happened to me tonight...

I was driving home from work tonight when I was pulled over by one of Illinois finest state troopers. When he approached my car I noticed that his hand was right on his gun. This did not bother me considering that one of my best friends in the world is a police officer in Decatur, and all the stories of cops shot to death on the road side during routine traffic stops, so I expect them to be ready for anything. I would be if I was in their shoes.

When he gets to the window of my car, he asks for my drivers license and insurance. Nothing out of the ordinary so far. While digging in the glove box for my insurance card I asked him what I considered to be a fair question. "why did you pull me over?" He then, very rudely I might add, told me "he would let me know in a minute". I thought to myself, why does it take a minute to tell me why he pulled me over, he obviously pulled me over for a reason and I thought I had the right to know why. He took my license and insurance card and went back to his squad car, and I waited for what seemed like forever. After a couple of minutes 2 more cops showed up and the three of them talked together for a minute, while I sat there. Then one walked on one side of the car, one in the middle, and one on the other side, all with guns drawn. By now I am I am beginning to get a little worried.

I was then told that I was under arrest, and at gun point pulled from my car and handcuffed. I asked again why I was stopped and why I was under arrest. When I was then told to "shut up." I was searched, handcuffed, and had my rights read to me. I'm sure Chris will attest to the fact that I am not the kind of guy that takes to kindly to being told to shut up. I was sure to let them know how this was BS.

So I stood there handcuffed on the side o the road, while 3 of Illinois' finest searched my car. After finding nothing but a spare tire, a lunch box and a Bible, two of them retreated back to the cop car for several minutes. When they returned, they said to the officer still standing with me that "we have nothing on him, let him go." By now I am really ticked off, and I actually was trying to get them to arrest me. I know the Bible commands us to be "wise as serpents, but as gentle as doves". Well I must confess when the cuffs were removed I was not very gentle, I read them the riot act. The last thing I said was that "you could atleast tell me why I was pulled over in the first place." I was told that I was stopped because I failed to signal when changing lanes. I don't recall if I ever changed lanes, but wasn't sure if I did or not. I said basically you just assumed that I was driving home from work at 10 at night that I had to be up to no good, and wanted to search around and see what you could find.

It was comforting that after violating my constitutional right not to be searched without a warrant or atleast probable cause, that they did wish me a Happy Thanksgiving. I replied that if that ever happened to me again the cops were going to have to use the gans they had drawn, and I meant every word of it. If they do that to me again, they are going to have to shoot me.

Thank the Lord for the Patriot Act.

2005-11-22T13:08:00.000-06:00

LET'S NOT GET TOO EXCITED

Wow, a team finally makes it to the final four and Randy goes ballistic! Just out of curiosity, I checked the NCAA record books and there was nary a sign of an Illinois national championship . . . curious. So then I looked at final four appearances and found this:

Aside from that juggernaut Illini team making 3 final four appearances between 1949 and 53 they have made exactly . . . wait for it . . . TWO final four appearances since the invention of the jump shot. WOW! I am impressed. But what is more impressive is that they have actually won ONE game in those final four appearances, unfortunately never winning a national champsionship.

MSU, on the other hand, has 6 final four appearances with a measly TWO NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS.

How do these results stack up with other now Big Ten teams? Glad you asked because it exposes the lack of, shall we say, talent in Illini basketball.

Here is the current Big10 teams with final four appearances and national championships in brackets:

Indiana: 8 (5)
MSU: 6 (2)
Michigan: 6 (1) (a pox upon their house)
Wisconsin: 2 (1)
Ohio St.: 8 (0)
Illinois: 5 (0)
Iowa: 3 (0)
Purdue: 2 (0)
Penn St.: 1 (0)
Minnesota: 1 (0)

That ranks the Illini right behind those 1940's powerhouse Buckeye squads and just ahead of those Hawkeyes. Color me impressed.

But wait, the Illini have TWO final four appearances since 1989, you say. Unfortunately MSU has 4 with a title. How does this compare to others making the final fours since the hey-day of the fleeing Ilinni?

Duke 6(3)
North Carolina: 7(1)...oops, scratch that--they have two titles, I forgot they won last year too 7(2)!
Kentucky 4(2)
Connecticut 2(2)
Michigan St. 4(1)
Arizona 3(1)
Arkansas 3(1)
Michigan 3(1) (a pox upon their house)
Syracuse 3(1)
Maryland 2(1)
UNLV 2 (1)
UCLA 1 (1)
Kansas 4
Florida 2
Georgia Tech 2
Illinois 2
Indiana 2
Cincinatti
Louisville
Marquette
Massachussetts
Minnesota
Mississipi St.
Ohio St.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma St.
Seton Hall
Stanford
Texas
Utah
Wisconsin

I know I'd be bragging about the Illini if I were a fan, I-M-P-R-E-S-S-I-V-E.

Oh, and Randy, just a quick question, since you happen to be the local Peoria geography wiz. What state is St. Louis in?

2005-11-21T11:41:00.000-06:00

DOMINATED BY HAWAII...

You will notice I have once again changed my traditional Cardinal Red font to green. As in Hawaii Rainbows green.

Well just a few days after our fellow blogger Mike, a self proffessed Spartans fan, stated in the comments section of this blog that "he was looking forward MSU to dominating the Big 10 this year." Maybe Tom Izzo and his boys out to start with figuring out how to dominate that tough WAC powerhouse Hawaii. Michigan St. not only lost, but was humiliated by 20 points against the Rainbows.

ESPN.com's Andy Katz writes that there is no need for panic in East Lansing, and compares the similarities to the Spartans choke job against Hawaii, to that of the loss UNC suffered exactly a year ago to the day to Santa Clara. Lest we forget the Spartans played the Rainbows at full strength, while last season the Tar Heels played minus Raymond Felton. He goes on further to say that Hawaii is no slouch and might compete for second in the WAC behind Nevada. What a joke, compete for second behind Nevada in the WAC. Not exactly Duke there Mike.

Well I better shut up considering the Illini struggled with Texas Pan American yesterday, so it appears the Big 10 might be wide open this year.

However, how about those Bears. The defense looks great, the running game is shockingly looking good, and amazingly the O-line looks good as well. Kyle Orton is managing the game. I still have a few worries, our high priced free agent wide out dropped 4 or 5 balls yesterday. Charles Tillman, who I thought was a strong point is gettting burnt on a regular basis.

Big win yesterday that gets us a little respect. I would have much prefered them to remain under the radar, but now let's see if we can win a big game on the road against a good team. Go Bears.

And I never thought I would have ever heard myself say this, but Go Packers.

2005-11-19T15:31:00.000-06:00

Paint the Northsidereport Orange...

Since the new guy to the Northsidereport seems to be geographically challenged and has forgotten he is Illini country, and insists on posting his remarks in MSU Fartan green, I am going to switch from my traditional Cardinal red font to Illini orange.

I'm willing to cut Mike some slack, not knowing too much about his background, maybe he is from Michigan and relocated to Illinois. I am well aware of what he is going through, as this time last season I was a displanted Illini fan living in the heart of North Carolina country. I proudly displayed my orange on game days, and when Illinois blasted then #1 Wake Forest by 20 or so, as shocking as this may seem I might have been a little unbearable to my co-workers, as I lived in Winston-Salem, home to Wake Forest. Then on the day Illinois played UNC for the National Championship, I got off work that day and went to a local Hardees for a quick supper to make it home for the game. I again proudly displayed my Illini t-shirt and hat. At the Hardees that day they were selling the UNC Final Four collectible items, and the lady that waited on me that day said "here's a guy who looks like he wants a North Carolina Final Four mug. " I simply said "no thanks", and we got a good laugh out of it.

When I started posting here on the Northsidereport, as a die hard Cardinal fan, I knew I was entering enemy territory. That's a role I love and cherish. Nothing brings more joy to a Cardinal fan that to rub the Cubs repeated futility in the faces of Cubs fans. However, I could always count on our mutual love for the Bears and the Illini to bring me and the other posters on this blog together. Now that's all out the window.

You see Mike, I don't blame you, you can enjoy the fact that our roles will be reversed now that the basketball season is underway. Enjoy it, while you can. Although I wouldn't start printing the MSU Fartans Big 10 Champioship t-shirts just yet. Enjoy all the pre season hype the Fartans are getting. The Illini are under the radar this year, but still a very deep and dangerous team. I am looking forward to the Big 10 opener with the Illini and the Fartans at the Hall, on probably "Paint the Hall Orange Night." After destroying the home court winning streaks of the Fartans as well as the Badgers last season, the Illini now have the 4th longest home court winning streak in the country. Good luck with that one. Just remember the Illini are defending Big 10 Champs and will remain that way until someone beats them. Not just last year, but 3 years in a row now they haved won outright or shared the Big 10 title. Sure the Fartans might win, but I highly doubt they will "dominate" as the Illini clearly dominated last season.

As long as I have known Chris, I always thought he was one of the smartest people I ever met, but now I am beginning to question the level of his wisdom, bringing a Fartans fan onto the Northsidereport. That's about as smart as getting drunk and going to a shooting range with Olin Kreutz, but I digress. I'm just along for the ride, and looking forward to it. So Mike, all kidding aside as I said last week, welcome to the blog, just don't go away and hide when the Illini destroy the Fartans.

GO ILLINI.

2005-11-18T12:11:00.000-06:00

LEFTY JONES

Item 1: Scott Eyre was signed to a 3 yr. $11M contract with the 3rd yr being a player option (But who'd opt out with that kind of change for a then 35 yr. old reliever?). Pricey, but a better signing than Remlinger a few years back. The Daily Herald has the Cubs spin on Eyre: He's only 33 (while Remlinger was 37 when signed) . . . apparently healthy (having beaten attention deficit disorder in 2002) . . . and gets left-handed batters out, something Remlinger couldn’t do.

While I do think this was a decent signing--something the Cubs have needed to do since, oh, forever--I see a few drawbacks. (1) Money. (2) As the S.F. Chronicle notes: "Although the Giants made Eyre's re-signing a priority, they privately worried about guaranteeing so much money to a 33-year-old who has thrown in 243 games over the last three seasons." And (3) Dusty Baker will likely see those numbers as a license to abuse--for which he needs no encouragment.

Item 2: On a more foreboding note, Chipper Jones is willing to restructure his contract with the Bravos to save the team $15M over the next 3 years prompted by concerns that his salary is a drag on payroll (and perhaps resigning Furcal). What a stand-up guy. I don't like that.

2005-11-15T12:22:00.000-06:00

IT'S DEJA VU ALL OVER AGAIN

Haven't we tried this before? Well, not exactly.

"The Braves and Cubs are among the teams that have contacted Marlins free agent shortstop Alex Gonzalez. ..."

This must mean Hendry is getting rid of Patterson and needs to keep our K total at an acceptable level.

But on a happier note, Hendry and Rothschild must be reading our little suggestions here . . .

"I would much prefer having a couple of extra guys going into camp than getting caught light," general manager Jim Hendry said. "The possibility of adding another starter … it would have to be the right fit."

and

"I think, as an organization, we look at it that if Kerry comes back, when he comes back, it's going to be a bonus," Rothschild said. "We have to plan that he's not going to be back at any certain level we can predict."

Plus they realize the need for left handed help in the pen. . .

Be the ball, Jimmy.

2005-11-15T00:02:00.000-06:00

FROM THE RED STATES

While surfing the ESPN.com web site I came upon an article by Steve Phillips listing his top 50 free agents and where he predicts they will end up. I'm sure most are aware of his mock press conferences he has been doing on Sportscenter the past week or so, so for those who are interested, heres how he predicts...

top 10
Konerko-Red Sox
Damon-Red Sox
Clemens-retires
Furcal-Cubs
Wagner-Phillies
Ryan-Mets
Burnett-Blue Jays
Matsui-Yankees
Giles-Cubs
Hoffman-Padres

11 through 20

Farnsworth-Braves
Millwood-Indians
R. Hernandez-Mets
Molina-Padres
Morris-Orioles
Washburn-Rangers
Wickman-Indians
T. Jones-Marlins
Gordon-D'Backs
Waever-Angels

21 through 30

Grudzielanek-Cardinals
A. Gonzalez (FLA)-Braves
Garciaparra-Dodgers
P. Wilson-Orioles
Piazza-Angels
F. Thomas-Indians
J.Jones-Tigers
Sanders-Cardinals
K. Rogers-Dodgers
Burnitz-Padres

31 through 40

Rincon-Yankees
Tavarez-Mets
Howry-Yankees
C. Everett-Nationals
Mueller-Dodgers
Lofton-Padres
Ausmus-Astros
Olerud-Mets
Durham-Mariners
Randa-Dodgers

41 through 50

Elarton-Nationals
Loaiza-Nationals
Moyer-Mariners
Dotel-Mets
Encarnacion-Nationals
B. Williams-Orioles
Sosa-Devil Rays
Millar-Twins
Byrd-Reds
Eyre-Red Sox

Well acording to Phillips, he thinks the Cardinals won't be big players in the free agent market, and I tend to agree with him there. The Cardinals, I suspect will be more active via the trade. The mainn needs of the Cardinals are outfielders who aren't drawing Social Security, bullpen, and maybe another starter given the probable loss of Morris. I expect Marquis to be traded, and also expect them to go with the rookie Anthony Reyes as the 5th starter. Reyes was a team mate of Mark Prior and many have said he was the best pitcher on that team. That remains to be seen, but Reyes does posses a mid 90's fastball and a big league curve. That leaves CY Young winner Carpenter, Mulder, Suppan, Reyes, and Marquis but I think the Cardinals make a trade with Marquis because he has worn his welcome out in St.Louis.

The biggest needs are outfielders and I agree with Phillips that Sanders will be re-signed. I also think the Cardinals will be players in the Brian Giles sweepstakes. If they miss out on Giles, Encarnacion, Matsui, or Jacque Jones could be viable options.

As far as the pen another lefty is a necessity as Ray "Burger" King has requested to be traded and I hope the Cardinals meet his request as he too has worn his welcome out in St. Louis. I know this is the case when other players are complaining about not being able to get any food at the post game spread once Ray gets in there.

Phillips also predicts the Cubs to be very active, signing two of his top 10 free agents (Furcal and Giles). I'm not sure where the Cubs are on salary but I certainly question their ability to afford two of the top 10, but who knows.

One thing is for sure, this offseason should be interesting as teams try to meet needs from a less than high profile free agent list. I look for more trades being made as teams set themselves up for a more active free agent list next off season.

Should be interesting.

2005-11-14T16:11:00.000-06:00

OF FREE AGENTS AND OFF SEASON DEALS

Thanks to Chris for inviting me to participate on PNR. Or is it TPNR? Well, either way, I hope to be the Mary Mapes to his Dan Rather or The Rev. Jackson to his T.O.

Before Jim Hendry starts his free agent spending spree along with the usual wheeling and dealing, I thought I would get on record so Jimbo can go out and do the exact opposite. As he was quoted recently:

"You can't say, 'I'm going to get this guy or that guy.' Sometimes those people aren't available. You have to be prepared to go in a different direction if you don't get one of those upper-echelon guys."

LOCK 'EM UP

The Cubs could have a pretty decent core of perennial all-stars for the next few years, sprinkled with up and comers if they get Lee, Prior and Zambrano locked up after '06. I would really like to see these three have new contracts soon (especially considering the serious change Maddux and Wood are currently getting--$20M). I'm glad ARam was locked up for a few years and am satisfied with Barrett through '07. Add Murton, Cedeno, and everybody's favorite Pie to the mix and you have something to build on for '06 and beyond.

It looks as though Nomar won't be around much longer and I don't see how he would fit in. I'm no longer intrigued by a Nomar in LF experiment. Hendry seems to concur. But hey, at least he got a world series ring while in Chicago. Too bad he wasn't wearing the same uniform as the champs at the time.

I'm also not disappointed with picking up Walker's option and signing Neifi. Yes, that Neifi. The shortstop FA market is pretty thin this year (and next year too). If Furcal doesn't come to Wrigleyville we still have a decent IF of Lee, Walker/Perez/Cedeno, and Ramirez. I'd prefer Walker to start because of his good lefty bat and Cedeno at short because, as Hendry said recently, "Cedeno is very good."

FREE AGENTS AND TRADES

Of course, I would like to see Furcal on the north side and he seems to be the Cubs priority. Bravo. I'm not opposed to a 4 or 5 year contract worth 9M or 10M per year. He won't be 28 until August and has been pretty healthy--except for missing about a week in August because of a sore knee--while averaging over 150 games the past 4 years. Plus, the Braves have talked with Tampa about a Lugo trade which might indicate they won't resign him. Getting Furcal would also make Walker or Perez available to trade.

Obviously the OF is pretty wide open. I'm still not sure what to do with the CF position and really don't think Damon will be an option because of the money he'll demand in this weak FA market. But if the Cubs do have $30M to spend he might be worth taking a look at, but not at the expense of failing to resign some of our '06 free agents. Chris mentioned Lofton earlier, but I'm not sure how viable Lofton is for a whole season, although he does perform well when healthy (.392 OBP!). Perhaps he would be a good option if the Cubbies intend to bring Pie up in July or sooner.

Giles is the best RF possibility (because of the need for lefthanded power) and Murton should start in LF. Sanders might work out too. And then find a good defensive CF (not Patterson--which would just hurt the club because how he is now viewed by most of Cubdom--and Preston Wilson is overpriced). Pierre is a great idea, but I don't know if we have anything to trade for him.

I don't want to pick a fight with Camden so soon but I wouldn't mind seeing Bradley in CF. Sure he's been a headcase, but he's arbitration eligible and he'll be a free agent after next year if he doesn't work out or Pie is ready to take over. He is a productive centerfielder on whom I would rather spend $2-3M than Patterson and he's in anger management to boot. Besides, Dusty's contract is up after '06 too, so anything is possible.

But aside from addressing the SS position and getting some semblance of an outfield together they should focus on that collection of stiffs they call a bullpen (either Ryan or Wagner would be a huge boost, but probably unrealistic). Maybe Wickman and Eyre would be solid options along with some of the more promising relievers from this year.

They also should think about making a splash in the starting pitching market. I like Rusch and could see him doing long relief or spot starting. We'll probably need a spot starter--injury is more probable than not with the starters. But I'd prefer signing a quality starter like Washburn (Lhp, 3.20 ERA, 1.33 WHIP in '05) or Bird (Rhp, 3.74 ERA, 1.19 WHIP in '05) who were decent, but didn't have great records. Another, probably more costly, option is Millwood (Rhp, 2.86 ERA, 1.22 WHIP in '05). But I don't think Millwood would bring anything that the left-handed Washburn wouldn't for less money. In any case the Cubs could use a quality starter, with Zambrano and Prior, to actually realize the Big 3 hopes the Cubs have had the past few years. With both Maddux (retiring) and Wood (free agent) possibly gone after this year, the investment of a 3 or 4 year contract would be well worth it, especially if some of the prospects begin to perform.

Could the Cubs compete next year? I'll wait and see.

2005-11-14T08:28:00.000-06:00

Milton Bradley Talk

According to Phil Rogers, the Cubs have discussed acquiring Milton Bradley during the winter meetings. Bleed Cubbie Blue made some comments regarding this story that I just couldn't let go:

Again, this is the sort of player who Dusty Baker might work wonders with -- remember, Baker's strength has always been touted as being the way he works with players as individuals, getting them to produce their utmost effort for the team.

Did Baker happen to do this during the 2004 season? To my knowledge, Baker didn't "work wonders" with the likes of Alou, Farnsworth, and Sosa. If those three players are any indication as to how Baker can handle head cases, I'm not too optimistic about Baker being able to tame Milton Bradley. I think he'd have about as much luck as Andy Reid getting Terrell Owens to go to church with him.

2005-11-12T12:21:00.000-06:00

Welcome New Contributor Mike Busch...

The Peoria Northsider Report would like to formally welcome Mike Busch as our newest blog contributor. I went to graduate school with Mike in Los Angeles a few years ago and we both celebrate the fact that we root for the only truly cursed team in major league baseball.

Here's a picture of Mike (background), I (foreground), and some poor deluded Cardinals fan (caught in the middle) from a late September Cubs-Cardinals game:

For those of you looking for the pictures of Red States Randy wearing the Cubs hat, as soon as I download them from my digital camera to my laptop I'll get them posted.

2005-11-10T18:21:00.000-06:00

Even though this is a Chicago Cubs Blog

I would like to say congratulations to Chris Carpenter on winning the 2005 NL Cy Young Award. Woops, I didn't mean to run off at the mouth.

2005-11-10T00:06:00.000-06:00

STEROIDS AND THE CHICAGO CUBS

For years now, I have been hearing Cubs fans running off at the mouth about Mark McGwire and steroids. However, upon examining the facts there have been 9 major leaguers busted for steroids, and of those 9, 3 are former Cubs (Palmeiro, Felix Heredia, and most recently Matt Lawton). Since it is ok for Cubs fans to speculate about Big Mac, then us Cardinal fans can speculate as well. Dare I mention the name Sammy Sosa.

Although Sammy, like McGwire, has never been caught it is just as obvious that Sammy was a juicer. We do know one thing for sure, that Sammy unlike McGwire was a cheater, remembering that Sammy was caught red handed using a juiced bat. So knowing that he juiced his bat, it would be safe to say that he juiced his body as well. Not to mention, in his younger years Sammy was a 180 pounds, only to watch him baloon up to 230 or more.

So what is the point of this post, well not much, but knowing that 3 former Cubs have tested positive for roids, and knowing Sammy was a juicer, I think it is safe to say that the Cubs far out rank the Cardinals in steroid consumption. So I should never hear a Cub fan popping off about Big Mac.

A FUNNY STORY FOR CUBS FANS...

Five Chicago sports fans, one from each of the 5 professional teams in Chicago, decided to go mountain climbing one day. When they reached the top of the mountain, the Blackhawks fan said "this is for the Hawks", as he threw himself of the top of the mountain. The Bulls fan said "this is for the greatest team in the 90's" and he too threw himself off the mountain to his death. The Bears fan said "this one is for Da Coach, and the 1985 Super Bowl Champions." He threw himself off the mountain as well. Then the White Sox fan said "this one is for the Southsiders", as he took the Cubs fan and threw him off the mountian. So that he the Sox fan, was the only one remianing at the top of the mountian.

2005-11-08T11:01:00.000-06:00

SPORTS A METAPHOR FOR LIFE?

I believe it was Vince Lombardi that first coined this phrase, if I am incorrect maybe my older, more experienced co-poster Bill could enlighten me, but I am fairly certain Lombardi was the man. Maybe in Lombardi's day this was the case, but as for today this is clearly not the case, at least it is my prayer that sports is no longer a metaphor for life. Truthfully, the world of sports (and I am speaking of all sports) has no idea what real life is all about, especially players, owners, and even fans.

Dare I edit the great Lombardi's quote? Nevertheless, it would more accurate today to say that sports is a metaphor for society. The same decaying nature seen in the world of sports is seen in society as well.

Maybe I am just ticked off about Terrell Owens. It appears Owens was not satisfied with being the second biggest jerk in professional sports, behind Randy Moss, but this guy is making Moss look like the citizen of the month. It is clear that this guy cares only about himself; he cares about no one else, even his teammates. ESPN only adds to this man’s ego by putting him on the front story of every show they have. I just watched Sportscenter and the first 15 minutes of the show was Terrell Owens, I got so mad I flipped to Cold Pizza, and that's all they were talking about as well. That's it, let’s feed the man’s giant ego by putting him all over the tube. All Owens cares about is himself and all he wants is the spotlight, remember his running to the star at Texas Stadium after scoring a touchdown? Clearly Owens needs professional help with his ego, and I don't think putting him all over the shows helps him, because that's what he wants, everyone talking about him.

Why would ESPN do this? Well because we the viewers want to see it. Sure some may gripe about it, society is decaying to a point where everyone only cares about themselves. We may pay lip service to helping others, but deep down the vast majority of people care only about themselves. It is a world where we are taught at a young age that "we have to look out for number one." I mean after all if we don't look out for ourselves, who else will? Since we are taught this at a young age it is no surprise that we see players like Owens. The only surprise to me is that it doesn't happen more often.

What color is the sky in Owens’ world? I've heard him say plenty of times when whining about his contract that he put his career on the line for his team by playing in the Super Bowl so soon after a broken leg, all for his team. Bologna. To a man that seeks nothing but the spotlight for himself, where could he find a bigger spotlight than the Super Bowl. Make no mistake, Owens was not thinking of the team when he played in the Super Bowl, he was thinking only of himself. No way would a guy who seeks the spotlight as much as Owens, miss out on the biggest stage probably in sports. He played for himself.

What leads me to this conclusion? Well it's easy, that's what he always does. Even his little dances after touchdowns suggest so. After scoring a touchdown he brings the attention to himself by doing a little dance routine, or pulling a sharpie from his sock, or running to the middle of the field to stand on the star at Texas Stadium. Forget the lineman who blocked for me, or the quarterback who threw me the ball, it's all about me. I am the only one responsible for this touchdown.

That's the main reason why I hate to see players score a touchdown and do a dance. It detracts the attention from their team and brings attention solely upon them. Not to mention it is disrespectful to the team’s opponents. I was watching College Gameday the other day and when a Vanderbilt player did a little dance after scoring a game tying touchdown, danced in the end zone, the ref threw a flag for excessive celebration. The announcers on Gameday bashed the ref, while I on the other hand was glad that a ref finally had the stones to penalize a player for doing this. After scoring a touchdown Walter Payton never danced or pulled a cell phone from the goal post. He simply handed the ball to the ref and celebrated with his team mates. He acted like he had scored a touchdown before. He congratulated his linemen, even though for many years his line was pathetic and couldn't block my grandma.

Lest we say that Owens is the only jerk in sports, we see it from the likes of Ron Artest, Barry Bonds, Chad Johnson. ESPN sucks it up because we the viewers suck it up. After all it is just another guy, like us, looking out for himself, and placing himself above his team.

Life is not about "looking out for number one." It is about what I can do for others. The decaying of sports with money hungry owners and players is a metaphor for the decay we see in society. We the fans are guilty because we feed these egos by sucking all this up to the point where ESPN is nothing more than a tool to feed these egomaniacs.

Sports is a metaphor for society, not life.

2005-11-04T11:38:00.000-06:00

Was signing Rusch a good thing?

Bill asked this very question a few days ago on this blog. Here’s my answer:

It is a good thing in so far as it will contribute toward keeping the Cubs from slipping even further down the divisional rankings next season. This is a move that goes a long way toward preserving the status quo.

And we all know what fun and giggles last season was. Wouldn't a reprise be even better?

However, this is not a move that will progress them forward and out of the [deservedly] current 4th place standing where they currently reside.

To do that, they need (in order of importance):

(1) Another quality starter (Millwood preferably; and Burnett if not Millwood). I wrestled with the decision of whether the team’s most pressing concern was offense or starting pitching. In the end, I went with starting pitching since I believe that the difference between the 2004 season (in which they were still in it until the last 2 weeks of September) and the 2005 season (in which they were out of it by July) was the loss of Matt Clement (who, along with Rusch, was the chief factor keeping the leaky Cubs boat afloat during the first half of the 2004 season with the early losses of Wood and Prior).

Think folks, injuries to the allegedly stellar starting rotation have plagued this team 2 years in a row now. Remember, in 2004 the finger was squarely pointed at the injury bug (especially to starters) to explain the Cubs failure to repeat the previous years success. In 2005, injuries to key starters once again seriously undermined the team’s ability to consistently compete (Jerome Williams and Rich Hill aren’t taking this team anywhere in case you were wondering).

Therefore, to not plan for this contingency next season in light of the history of the previous 2 seasons would be just plain stupid. Further, an aging Greg Maddux is now nothing more than a serviceable 5th starter. This team needs a reliable number 3 behind Zambrano and whoever’s arm doesn’t fall off first between Wood and Prior. A rotation of Zambrano, Prior/Wood, Millwood, Maddux, & Rusch will go a long way toward making the Cubs at least competitive next year.

(2) Offense (preferably the speedy Furcal, Giles, Lofton, & yes, bring Nomar back too). Offense (or lack thereof) has been my own personal chief complaint with this team the past 2 seasons (even more so than a terrible bullpen if you can believe that). It’s been either all or nothing with this team. They either explode for 10+ runs or they struggle to cobble together 2 (and it was more often the latter than the former). I am convinced that it has been the team’s lack of offense the last 2 seasons that has highlighted the pitiful state of the bullpen since the bullpen was expected (unreasonably) to be perfect! When they inevitably did fritter away a 1 or 2 run lead, the chorus of complaints focused attention on the bullpen instead of the miserly offense (which in my opinion deserved the lion’s share of the blame).

This is a team that sorely needs people who can put wood on the ball and get on base.

The offensive production from the outfield last year was disgraceful – among the worst in the majors in fact. Although it seems farfetched (b/c I don’t think Nomar will go for it), I like the idea discussed in the fantasy land of the blogosphere with regard to flipping Nomar to the left field spot. A hopefully sober Furcal then fills out SS, stick Giles in RF, and bring back Kenny Lofton in CF (or trade for Pierre). This is what you’ve got in terms of a lineup come opening day then:

(1) Furcal – switch hitter (ss)
(2) Lofton – left handed hitter (cf)
(3) Lee – right handed hitter (1b)
(4) Giles – left handed hitter (rf)
(5) Ramirez – right handed hitter (3b)
(6) Garciaparra – right handed hitter (lf)
(7) Walker – left handed batter (2b)
(8) Barrett – right handed hitter (c)

You might be able to argue Lofton’s place (possibly switch him and Walker), but that balanced lineup at least gives you quite a few possibilities from top to bottom. In fact, that’s a lineup that brings back the glorious days of 2003 when the Cubs played entertaining baseball.

However, if the Cubs do what I think they are going to do (which is let Nomar go, leave Patterson in center, continue to give Neifi and Macias serious playing time, and leave the corner outfield situations unaddressed) – they will once again compete for 4th place in the division. Of course, you’ll still have the typical fantasy land bloggers telling you how peachy things are and then you’ll once again be saying (when the final out of 2006 is registered) – “hopefully next year.”

(3) bullpen (?????). I really have no idea where to begin with the bullpen since the task of constructing a competent bullpen is an utterly mysterious endeavor. You have as much chance of divining tea leaves or discerning the mating habits of the beast from loch ness as you have of predicting bullpen success these days.

The sole piece of advice I have is to avoid resigning the 6 fingered wonder who is a free agent for what must be the 5th consecutive year. That and these words of wisdom:

Just do something because the bullpen is atrocious!

Jim, whatever you do, if it works, we will sing your praises. We will toast you in the corridors of Wrigleyville as we try to forget the nightmare that has been this years WS (I still feel like I haven’t quite recovered from a bad hangover).

On the other hand, if it doesn’t work we will call for your head.

It’s tough, I know, but that’s what 98+ years of futility has reduced us to.

Now go out and get the job done. If those losers from the South Side can win, then I really don’t understand what the problem is.

We’re tired of excuses to be quite honest.

Don’t let us down, don’t think that the prominent voice of delusional fans means the rest of us are dupes, and most of all, Jim, keep a tight reign on the Dustbag this year.

Just keep in mind that Theo Epstein is waiting in the wings.

2005-11-03T09:52:00.000-06:00

Google PageRank NFL Rankings

As both a web developer and an NFL fan and partly out of curiosity, I wrote a program that uses the basic Google PageRank calculation on the NFL teams. I wanted to see how the NFL teams would be ranked against each other using this iterative approach instead of the traditional power rankings that are based on records and basic statistics. To translate Google PageRank to the world of football, I treated a team as a separate page on the Internet and each loss as an outgoing link from the loser's "page" to the winner's "page".

Here are the Week 8 rankings:

1	Denver	Broncos
2	Jacksonville	Jaguars
3	Indianapolis	Colts
4	Dallas	Cowboys
5	New England	Patriots
6	Seattle	Seahawks
7	New York (N)	Giants
8	San Diego	Chargers
9	Washington	Redskins
10	Pittsburgh	Steelers
11	Cincinnati	Bengals
12	Miami	Dolphins
13	Carolina	Panthers
14	Atlanta	Falcons
15	Tampa Bay	Buccaneers
16	Philadelphia	Eagles
17	Kansas City	Chiefs
18	Chicago	Bears
19	St. Louis	Rams
20	New York (A)	Jets
21	San Francisco	49ers
22	New Orleans	Saints
23	Oakland	Raiders
24	Buffalo	Bills
25	Detroit	Lions
26	Cleveland	Browns
27	Baltimore	Ravens
28	Arizona	Cardinals
29	Tennessee	Titans
30	Minnesota	Vikings
31	Houston	Texans
32	Green Bay	Packers

After Week 8, the results are fairly interesting. By record alone, we would expect the Indianapolis Colts, the only undefeated team, to be #1. Using the PageRank methodology, however, the Denver Broncos at 6-2 are kings of the hill. Interestingly, the Jacksonville Jaguars (4-3) are #2. What's even more odd is that the Colts beat the Jaguars in Week 2! I dug a little deeper into this just to make sure this wasn't totally incorrect. Under the assumptions of the PageRank methodology, the rankings do in fact pan out. Let's examine further.

Jacksonville has defeated the following teams:
#6 - Seattle
#20 - New York Jets
#11 - Cincinnati
#10 - Pittsburgh

While Indianapolis has defeated:
#27 - Baltimore
#2 - Jacksonville
#26 - Cleveland
#29 - Tennessee
#21 - San Francisco
#19 - St. Louis
#31 - Houston

It's clear to see that although Jacksonville only has four wins, their wins carry more weight within the PageRank calculation than the seven wins Indianapolis is sporting. This may change if the Colts start to defeat higher ranked teams, but in the meantime, the Colts will have to put up with their easy schedule.

2005-11-01T22:11:00.000-06:00

Might as well get the "Hot Stove League" started.............

Rusch is signed for 2 years! I see this as a positive step. How about you?

2005-10-27T11:45:00.000-05:00

WHERE IS THE GAME I FELL IN LOVE WITH

Well the 2005 season is officially over and congratulations to the White Sox and their "real" fans, I'm sure both of you are happy. Screw the rest of you so called White Sox fans that jumped on the bandwagon. I saw last week on Sportscenter last week they had the Top 10 plays of the White Sox season, and one of the plays was from the first week of the season at the Cell and the announcers made mention of the fact that there was like 10 people there. It must not have been "Bring Your Dog to the Park Day." I congratulate those fans. You see there ain't too much that I hate more than bandwagon fans, and it is clear from watching the Sox the past few years and comparing them to this season, there are bandwagon fans aplenty for White Sox "Nation." Pick a team and stick with them, win or lose. In my opinion a bandwagon fan is nothing more than a prostitute selling themselves on the street corner for any Tom, Dick, and Harry that comes along.

So with that being said, on to the point of my post. I see that Chris' boy Bud Selig stepped in and exerted his power over the game I love and made the Astros open the roof of the Juice Box for the World Series. Ata boy Bud, you worthless piece of trash, way to step in. Now why don't you step in and exert that same power and put a real stop to the rampant steroid problem?

You see Bud Selig is ruining the game I love. Let's review what has happened to our game under his power...a strike canceled the season and the World Series in 1994. The instituting of the Wild Card system, and Interleague play. Steroids have destroyed the games most cherished records. Players salaries have made it practically impossible for a guy to take his family to the ballpark. I mean where else can you go to pay $4.50 for a bottle of water. He has made the winner of the All Star game get homefield advantage for the World Series - not like it should go to the team with the best record or anything. Teams are holding the cities they play in hostage so they can tear down their ballparks to build bigger and more expensive parks. Yeah so we can charge $30 for a bleacher seat. All with the blessings of Chris' boy, who refuses to do anything to help the ones who really own this game, and that my friends is the fans.

In my opinion what this game needs more than anything is a Commissioner who is looking out for the best interest of the fans. One who will step in and put a stop to the drug problems. Would use his power to put a stop to the raping of the fans with unheard of prices. Not save that authority to make the Astros open their roof. As much as I hate the Astros, that's a joke. Getting to decide whether or not to open or close the roof is part of having the homefield advantage. You see the Astros had to play the Sox in the middle of a rain storm. If Chris' boy Bud was going to do that, why doesn't he make every team in cold weather cities build a dome stadium.

I guess it goes without saying that I am not a big fan of Chris' boy Bud Selig, who is looking out for one thing and one thing only, and that is the almighty dollar.

2005-10-25T12:34:00.000-05:00

More Reasons to Root against That Assembly of Thugs & Convicts…

There's quite a bit of diversity of opinion among the commentators at this blog. On the one hand, Bill is cheering for the Sox, while I am actively praying they choke and tank away the series.

One of the reasons I despise the White Sox is because of their fan base.

Crass, minimally literate, and thuggish barely begins to describe the typical White Sox fan (yes I know I’m over-generalizing, but you go to the Cell with your family and after you’ve filled out the assault report with the Chicago PD, then come back and quibble with me).

In fact, these observations are such an established fact that I think it would be near impossible to argue reasonably against them. The poster child of White Sox nation is William Ligue Jr.

And it's not just the fans - the players themselves lack class. Commenting afterward on the infamous assault on Tom Gamboa by Ligue, one White Sox player offered these compassionate words:

One Chicago player, who asked to remain nameless (off the record...Frank Thomas) was quoted as saying, "What the [deleted expletive] do I care about some Royals coach? He probably deserved it. Tom Gamboa's never done nothing for Frank Thomas." Luckily, several Kansas City players cared enough to rush to Gamboa's aid, before security and police officials could take the trash out.

And don't even get me started on Mark Buehrle and his ridiculous whining about everything from the "lighting system" at Ameriquest Field to Greg Maddux allegedly throwing balls with illegal stuff on them.

Need more evidence?

John Williams was interviewing a man identified as "the president of the White Sox fan club" just after they had clinched the AL Pennant last Monday night on WGN radio and although Williams was asking this guy how it felt to finally reach the World Series and questions related to the Sox - the only responses this guy could manage were things like: "Cubs Suck!" and so on and so forth.

The entire interview (which was ostensibly about the Sox), he had nothing to say about his own team - his only concern was to reveal his utter contempt for the Cubs.

In any event, here’s even more evidence which speaks to the character of the louts who comprise the fan base for the MLB team on the South Side of Chicago (The Astros are only beginning to learn what Cubs fans have known for a long, long time):

Biggio's wife slapped at White Sox's ballpark
Guillen issues apology to Astro, condemns fan
By JOSE DE JESUS ORTIZ
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle

Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen issued a public apology on behalf of his organization to Astros second baseman Craig Biggio, whose wife was slapped by a fan in the stands at U.S. Cellular Field.

"I feel like it's our fault, and I talked to (Biggio) about it, and he knows we're sorry," Guillen said. "He knows it was something we couldn't control. It wasn't like a fight. (The fan) hit the lady and left."

The incident occurred on Sunday night during Game 2 of the 101st World Series at Chicago's ballpark, where several members of the Astros' traveling party were harassed.

"He slapped her and ran," Biggio said of the fan who struck his wife, Patty. "She ran after him. My brother-in-law ended up putting him against the wall. That's pretty sorry."

Asked if Patty had been hurt, Biggio said his New Jersey-raised wife held her own.

"You don't slap a New Jersey girl and get away with it," he said. "That happens sometimes. It's terrible. It's over."

Added Guillen: "I wish she would have grabbed something and broken his head. If that happened to my family, it would have been a big problem. ... People should just go to the game and not bother people next to you, or you're not a White Sox fan or a baseball fan. Just enjoy the game. Drink if you want to drink; just respect the people next to you."

No criminal complaint was made against the fan, according to Chicago police.

Chicago defended

Biggio, manager Phil Garner, general manager Tim Purpura, catcher Brad Ausmus and several of the Astros were adamant that a few cowardly acts weren't indicative of the White Sox or Chicago fan base.

"The word was that the guy had been gouging her a little bit, pulling her hair and just doing some stupid things, things that are just not necessary," Garner said. "Have your fun. This (World Series) is a great thing for them and a great thing for us. Cheer and be as loud as you want to be and whatever else, but don't do that.

"I can't imagine Patty Biggio ever saying anything that would incite anything, either. I just can't imagine that. Even if she had, there's no excuse."

Despite the incident, Garner said he heard the Astros' traveling party had mostly positive experiences with the fans.

Nonetheless, Guillen did not hide his disgust at the treatment Patty Biggio received.

"On behalf of the White Sox organization, I just don't think we could control that," Guillen said. "But I think the family is a big part of my life. I think especially the kids. And when that happened in the ballpark, you feel you need to be supportive.

"When you're a man and you hit a lady, no matter whose wife it is or whose sister it is, you respect them. But it's something that's tough to control. It happened so quick."

More harassment

Although Patty Biggio was the only Astros wife who was slapped Sunday, she wasn't the only member of the traveling party who was harassed. Ausmus said his wife, Liz, endured some vulgar taunts and a few vulgar hand gestures throughout the night.

"Some of the treatment that the Astros families received at U.S. Cellular Field was a huge black eye for the city of Chicago," Ausmus said. "Now, I understand that's not indicative of all the people in the Chicago area, because I have friends and relatives there.

"I know the people of Chicago are overwhelmingly good people. But if I was from Chicago, I'd be embarrassed by the way the Astros' families were treated by the White Sox fans. My wife didn't get hit or anything, but people flipped her off and were screaming at her."

The attendance at U.S. Cellular Field was announced as 41,432 for Game 2, and the crowd was obviously overwhelmingly in support of the White Sox. With that in mind, Ausmus said there was little the Astros' family members could do in response. "You don't want to get caught in a situation where you're inflaming the masses," Ausmus said. "So I think as an Astros fan at a visiting park, you pretty much have to swallow it."

'Bring him to me'

Maybe so, but Guillen insinuated that he would have definitely defended anybody in the Astros' traveling party.

"I know the security in Chicago is doing a great job," Guillen said. "And when something happens so quick, you can't blame anybody. And the guy that did it, he should be brought to Biggio, and he's the one that can hopefully get him back.

"I told the police, 'Don't put him in jail. Bring him to me in the dugout.' But hopefully, that won't happen again."

Shortstop Adam Everett heard a little bit about the incident, but he knew more than enough to form his opinion.

"That's real weak," he said. "That's bad. I don't care where you're at, to hit a woman is not good.”

I will say this – one possible benefit of the White Sox winning the World Series: if they win there’s a better than average chance that they’ll burn down the South Side of Chicago.

At the least then it would remove what has thus far been a major black eye for the entire city.

2005-10-24T19:24:00.000-05:00

The Enemy of My Enemy is My Friend

I see a lot in the press about how Cubs fans must be going crazy that the White Sox are in the World Series and having great success so far. Apparently it is also a good thing that the Cardinals were eliminated, otherwise we would have all hung ourselves by our jock straps before we would have allowed ourselves to be subjected to a White Sox-Cardinals World Series.

I take a different view on this. While I would certainly prefer to see my Cubbies in the World Series, I can't think of a better alternative than having the White Sox there. You see, my enemy is the ownership of the Chicago National League Ball Club, Inc. Presumably the White Sox are also an enemy of the Cubs, which makes them my friend.

The way I see it, Tribune Company, Inc is going to continue to put mediocre crap on the field until something happens that shakes their perfect little world. The world where beer in the sunshine and a mediocre team is all that is required to fill the stands every day. If the SOX can do anything to embarrass these people in to getting serious about fielding a winner I am all for it. I don't know how many Northsiders would be tempted to turn their allegiances southward, but I pray for as many as possible. Not because I hate the Cubs, but because I love the Cubs and want to see a winner on the north side before I die. And I don't want this for myself, I'm sure that most Cubs fans out there in blog land are wondering, "will it happen before I die?".

My father was an usher at Woodruff field in Peoria as a young man, and watched Phil Cavaretta mature in the Three-I league before going on to be a star with the Cubs. He wanted to see those guys he watched growing up win a World Series. Never did. Dad passed away in 1996 without every having seen it.

My father-in-law was born in 1913. Having grown up in the farm country south of Chicago he became a Cubs fan at an early age. Like many many others, he moved to Peoria to work for Caterpillar just before WWII. Somehow or other though he got tangled up with a girl from Peoria who was a Cardinals fan. Despite that Cub-Cardinal marriage, it endured for forty-six years, with a lot of jibing about the Cardinals' success, and only death separated them. Dad went to his grave last year without having seen his beloved Cubs even get to a World Series for 60 seasons, much less win one.

The suffering has to end. So I say anything that will embarrass Cubs ownership into action is fine by me.

GO SOX!!!

2005-10-24T10:59:00.000-05:00

FROM THE RED STATES

If any of our readers are here expecting to see the picture of me wearing the Cubs hat, you were screwed. Lest any of you think I somehow chickened out, destroyed Chris' camera, or killed Chris and buried him in the basement of my house to avoid wearing the hat, I must explain...I was not the one who screwed you guys.

As I stated in a response to Chris post, where I announced that I was a man of my word and would wear the hat, I was ready and willing yesterday when I showed up to church. Chris and I went to the Notre Dame/BYU game on Saturday and we agreed that I would wear the hat at church the next day. So when I got to church yesterday I made a bee line for Chris' office, only to find an empty office. So I did the right thing and asked around if anyone had seen Chris, where I found out he was attending the first service. So I excused myself, used the restroom, and then came back to Chris' office to find him inside.

Totally ready to humiliate myself I told him to give me the ridiculous hat. The hat was there, I was ready to do it, so what happened you ask? Well Chris screwed you guys because he forgot his camera. I felt this was not my problem and we discussed this and Chris wanted to wait until next Sunday. So against my better judgement I reluctantly agreed to wait, even though I was clearly ready, the hat was there, everything was in order except for Chris and his digital camera. So I expressed great humility and will wait until next Sunday.

However, I must say this Sunday is it, if Chris forgets again, I will wear the hat and there will be no picture for you guys to enjoy. So if that happens you can thank Chris for that.

2005-10-21T11:51:00.000-05:00

FROM THE RED STATES

Well, the season is officially over, and to prevent another post like the one from the other day, I thought it might be prudent to wait a couple days before posting.

My thoughts on this season...we suck. Plain and simple, there is no easy way to put it. You see from being a regular visitor of the Cardinals website and message boards, I am in the minority. Most Cardinals fans are happy about being Central Division Champs, and think this was a successful season. I disagree. I think 1 team and 1 team only has a successful season.

When I was a kid I always dreamed of playing baseball for a World Series Champion, and although winning the division is the first step in that process (or used to be, and is no more-thanks to Bud Selig and his wild card system) the season is a failure if you don't win the World Series, especially when you have made the playoffs 5 out of the past 6 seasons, like the Cardinals have done. Despite that fact they have finished the season just as another team who failed to get it done when it counted.

Contrary to what most Cardinals fans say, all we have proven the past 5 or 6 years is that we can dominate the likes of the Pirates, Reds, Cubs, Brewers, and even the Astros (who we just got beat by). Big deal.

I think it is time for the Cardinals and GM Walt Jockettey to re-load, as it is clear from the past 2 seasons that this team is capable of winning in the regular season, but not in the post season.

There are a few reasons why I think this is the case, one...we’re too old. You see in the regular season when your playing the Reds or the Pirates it is ok to have a bunch of banged up old guys that can only play 3 or 4 games a week. We are good enough to beat the Pirates in that case, but come post season, when everyone is banged up, our old guys care are incapable of producing. I think of the World Series last year, and this series against the Astros has clearly demonstrated this point. The likes of Walker, Sanders, Grudzielanek, and even Edmonds are so old that if they are not 100% they are not capable of hitting. Like I said earlier, everyone in the playoffs is banged up, so therefore they are not capable of hitting when the team needs them the most. It's time to get younger. Reload with some talented younger players that have more endurance and can still perform after a long and physical season.

Secondly, our pitching. Going into the series with the Astros I figured we would have to win the two games Carpenter pitched, which we did. Then win the two games Mulder pitched, which we didn't. I knew we were screwed in game 3 with Clemens and Morris pitching. The Backe/Suppan game I thought was a toss up and would probably decide the series. I was counting on Carpenter and Mulder winning their two games each, Mulder didn't get it done.

The key to winning a short playoff series is dominant pitching. The Cardinals have one guy in Carpenter who fits that bill. When I think of dominant starting pitching, I don't think of Mark Mulder. Sure Mulder is a decent pitcher but he is far from dominant. He is a junk ball pitcher who relies on his defense and getting ground balls. Look at the World Series Champs of the past few seasons...the Marlins had Beckett, Hernandez, and Penny a few seasons ago. The Red Sox had Schilling and Martinez last season. Even back a few seasons the D'backs had Johnson and Schilling. It clearly takes two guys. This was a good season in a sense that Carpenter has stepped up and proven that he is capable of being one of those guys, but we need another one. Mulder is serviceable in the regular season, but far from a dominant playoff pitcher.

Thirdly our bullpen is not as good as it should be. Again it is good enough for the regular season. Interestinghausen is decent, but not lights out. Our pen was decent but not lights out. King struggled all season, and clearly our most reliable reliever was Al Reyes, who blew his arm out on the last game of the season. His loss clearly hurt.

Solutions to the problems...well it is clear we need a younger outfield. Walker is pretty much all but said he is going to retire, Sanders is a free agent. Thanks for the two good years, but it's time to part ways with both of these guys. Grudzielanek is serviceable, but I think we need to find another SS and slide Eckstein over to second.

Pitching wise Marquis, is a free agent...burn the road up. Matty Mo, thanks for the good years but good riddance. The Cardinals have a possible future stud in Anthony Reyes waiting in the wings, I say bring him up and give him a shot. He was a team mate of Mark Prior at USC, and many have said that Reyes was the best pitcher on that staff. It's his time now. Suppan is a pretty decent pitcher, who we should be able to keep fairly cheap and would make a great 5th starter, I say keep him. That leaves us with Carp as the ace, Mulder, Reyes and Suppan. We need to add another ace type pitcher to win the post season.

The pen, well I have no clue what to do with this. Billy Wagner, Trevor Hoffman are both free agents this season and would look nice in a Cardinal uniform. That way we could have Interestinghausen for the 8th, and one of these two as our new closer. That's dreaming, and in a perfect world, but hey ain't that what the internet is for...dreaming.

You add all this up and it is just the wishes of one ticked off Cardinals fan who is not impressed with NL Central Champs. I want the WS championship, and we need to get younger with more dominant pitching to do that.

Then to add insult to injury I am going to have to wear a stinking, rotten, filthy Cubs hat at church on Sunday. I was hoping Chris would give me at least a week to grieve, but such is not the case. Although looking at the hat it ain't all that bad, it could be a lot worse.

Frankly after the Cardinals getting to the WS last year only to hose me, then Illinois making it all the way to the National Championship game, joining in on the hose job, then this Cardinals season I am pretty much wore out from all the screwings I have been getting from my time. Oh well I will be setting myself up again once the basketball season starts, and come opening day I will be right there ready for another hose job from the Cardinals. Cubs fans should consider themselves lucky because I am a Bears fan and knowing that they suck, and have no chance of winning anything is a lot better than watching your team win, get your hopes up, and then raping you at the end of the season. Like many a Cub fans motto..."wait til next year."

2005-10-19T09:09:00.000-05:00

Bold Men & Rash Vows…

For students of the Old Testament, you will remember the story of Jephthah and his rash vow to sacrifice whatever (or whomever) first came out of his door upon his return home after his battle with the Ammonites (cf. Judges 11:29-40). As it turned out, the first person to greet him upon his return was his only child – his daughter.

Now while there may, in fact, be a number of lessons that one may derive from this narrative – certainly the most transparent lesson is the principle of the foolishness of hasty and brash vows.

Which brings me to the point of this post…

Back on Saturday, June 4th of this year, Red States Randy (our resident Cardinals fan at this blog of the truly cursed) made the following comments, prediction, and yes…vow:

As I said earlier Lee is doing awesome, if not for him this race in the NL Central would be over already but I still take Albert any day of the week, and twice on Sunday. Albert simply is the best player in the game bar none. Lee is off to a great start, no question, but let's see what the stats look like in August and September and after the season. In fact it won't surprise me one bit if Albert doesn't out do Lee in all 3 triple crown stats before the seasons end. In fact I'll guarantee it. In fact if Lee beats Pujols in AVG., HR, or RBI the next time I am home in P-town I will wear a Cubs hat to church to be laughed at by my friend and fellow poster Chris. And if Derek Lee wins the triple crown this season, well I will throw in 2 tickets for all 3 of my fellow posters on this blog to any Cubs game they want to go to. Mark it down today June 4th, you heard me say it. [emphasis added]

And there you have it.

Red States Randy confidently predicted that Albert Pujols would finish ahead of Lee in every single one of the triple crown stats - he even guaranteed it. In fact, he was so confident of this, he vowed that if Lee even won one of the categories, he would wear a Cubs hat to church and graciously give me the opportunity to laugh at him while he was wearing it.

Now, unfortunately, Derrek Lee let Bill, Camden, and I down by not actually winning the triple crown (deadbeat!) as it would have entailed 2 tickets for each of us to the game of our choice (and I think I would have picked tickets to the eventual(?) game when the Cubs finally make it to the World Series - Randy is a pretty resourceful chap and I would have liked to have given him the opportunity to put that resourcefulness to good use).

Be that as it may, there is still satisfaction to be had with regard to the final respective positions of Messrs. Pujols and Lee in the triple crown.

Here are the final triple crown stats for Fat Albert and Derrek Lee:

Lee (.335 Avg [1st]; 46 HR [2nd]; 107 RBI [17th])
Pujols (.330 Avg [2nd]; 41 HR [3rd]; 117 RBI [2nd])

So not only did Lee beat Pujols in one of the triple crown categories, but in two of the three (and if he had even the semblance of a team around him he would have finished higher in RBI’s as well).

So there you have it. Randy, my friend, that sound of the bells you now hear - they are tolling for you.

I have the perfect Cubs hat for you to wear. It is a bright blue and white adjustable hat and it has a large and gaudy “C” on the side with a bear cub marching through it and onward to glorious…

Well, marching through it and onward to somewhere.

For the rest of you, I will take a picture of this momentous event with my digital camera and then post it for everyone else to see and enjoy.

And Randy: thank-you, for giving me something baseball related to truly enjoy now that the Cubs season is (mercifully) over.